Canillo's Escènic Arts Festival Returns with 22 Global Shows

Canillo's fifth Escènic Arts festival will transform the parish into an open-air stage from 1 to 8 August, featuring 22 international and local performances for all ages.

The family-oriented event has earned the EFFE label from the Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe association, recognising its artistic commitment, community ties, and global outreach. Organisers report a budget of €335,000—€60,000 more than last year—thanks to new sponsor Creand.

Performances from six countries will span circus, theatre, clowning, dance, poetry, photography, pyrotechnics, and light arts across Canillo venues such as Plaça del Prat del Riu, the Prat del Riu amphitheatre, Càmping Pla, the old town centre, Carrer Perdut alleyway, Plaça Carlemany, and the riverside promenade. Shows will also reach El Tarter and Soldeu, expanding beyond last year's single-parish outpost.

The 1 August opener starts at 7pm in Plaça del Prat del Riu with Olé by Paul Morocco and The Smooth Criminals, a gestural theatre, music, and comedy piece with recent viral appeal. Organiser Oriol Vilella described it as a key moment.

At 8:30pm in the Prat del Riu amphitheatre, the Black Blues Brothers—five Kenyan acrobats and the festival's first African act—present circus routines. Vilella said they had long sought the troupe despite tour conflicts.

The night ends at 10pm at former Càmping Pla with SuperCho's SuperShow, mixing pyrotechnics, urban dance, and electronic music. Teams are tracking weather and fire risks in coordination with firefighters and civil protection, ready to adapt.

Standouts also include La Belle Illusion by French company Remue Ménage. The eight-day lineup covers diverse performing arts, with more details to follow as preparations advance.