The Estepona Town Hall, alongside the Cultural Association Unicornio, is set to pay tribute to renowned American author Stephen King in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the film adaptation of 'Carrie'. The film, which premiered in Spain on 3 November 1976, was the first cinematic adaptation of King's debut novel, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in horror, supernatural fiction, and fantasy literature.
All commemorative events will take place at the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI, commencing on Monday, 26 October, at 19:30 with the opening of the 'Universe King' exhibition. This exhibition will run until the end of October and will showcase merchandise related to the film, including international poster versions, books, records, magazines, and various collectibles amassed over the film's 50-year history.
Following the exhibition opening, Estepona writer Julio Peces Ruiz will present a talk titled 'Carrie White burns in hell' at 20:00, after which the original 'Carrie' film, directed by Brian De Palma in 1976, will be screened at 20:30.
Film screenings and book presentations
The programme continues on Tuesday, 27 October, with a screening of John Carpenter's 'Christine' (1983) at 19:30, while Wednesday will feature 'The Dark Tower', directed by Nikolaj Arcel in 2017, at the same time.
On Thursday, 29 October, the evening will begin at 19:30 with the presentation of the book 'Stephen King, The Art Of Horror', featuring texts by Estepona's Julio Peces Ruiz and illustrations by Málaga-based graphic designer and film enthusiast Andrés Antúnez, inspired by King's most notable works. This will be followed by a screening of 'Stand By Me', directed by Rob Reiner in 1986, based on King's 1982 novella 'The Body'.
The activities at the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI will conclude on Friday, 30 October, with a concert titled 'Symphony of Terror' performed by the Banda Sinfónica Ciudad de Jaén, conducted by Toni Villanueva. The concert will pay tribute to King's work through performances of iconic film soundtracks, including themes from 'Misery', 'Carrie', 'The Dead Zone', 'Salem's Lot', 'Jaws', 'Alien', and 'Psycho', among others.
Halloween festivities
To wrap up the tribute to the 'King of Horror', the Estepona Town Hall has organised a large family-friendly Halloween party on Saturday, 31 October, at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos, where the 'Universe King' exhibition will also be available for viewing. The Halloween party, hosted by traditional dance master and showman David Suárez, will begin at 19:00 and feature costume contests, DJs, a children's party with bouncy castles, and treats for the traditional 'Trick or Treat' experience, alongside a free 'H.P. Lovecraft' Escape Room on a first-come, first-served basis.
Another highlight of the Halloween night will be the 'Haunted Passage', starting at 20:00, as well as a virtual reality horror experience titled 'The Elevator', and a dance performance by 'Ocean Dance and Acrobatics'. At 22:00, the band Dr. Jones, known for their covers from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s, will perform, followed by a DJ set from midnight.
Macarena Diánez, the councillor responsible for Culture and Festivals, noted that the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos will undergo a transformation to accommodate “creatures from beyond the grave and ghostly figures to enhance the festive atmosphere.” In addition to costumes, there will be decorative elements such as pumpkins, skeletons, and mummies.
The council has established several categories and prizes for the costume contest, with no prior registration required. Prizes will be awarded at 21:30: five prizes of 500 euros for the best-dressed groups and ten prizes of 100 euros for the most terrifying characters. A bar will remain open throughout the evening, offering affordable prices, managed by the Hermandad Nuestra Señora del Carmen Coronada.
Diánez encourages citizens to participate in costume attire, urging creativity and originality to create a truly fantastic and terrifying atmosphere.
