The Folkomillas festival is set to celebrate its 20th edition from 19 to 21 June, featuring a variety of concerts, a Celtic market, parades, performances, and activities for all ages. The official inauguration will occur on Friday, 19 June, at 19:00 with the opening of the festival and the Celtic market, followed by the traditional raising of the Lábaru, led by Mariu Torre.
The municipality of Comillas has unveiled the programme for this milestone edition, organised by the Cultural Association L’Escanilluque, which will take place at the camp of the Palacio de Sobrellano. Attendees can expect a diverse programme that combines folk music, tradition, culture, craftsmanship, and activities suitable for everyone.
Mayor María Teresa Noceda Llano stated that Folkomillas has become an essential event in the cultural calendar of Cantabria, highlighting its role in promoting local roots, identity, and cultural heritage while also boosting economic and social activity in the area. She expressed gratitude to the Cultural Association L’Escanillu, the councillor for culture, and all those involved in the organisation, sponsors, and volunteers for their commitment to making this initiative a success and for its continued growth with each edition.
Councillor for Culture, Vanesa Sánchez, emphasised that this year’s edition will feature “high-quality concerts alongside activities for all audiences” and encouraged locals and visitors to engage in this cultural gathering.
The festivities on Friday will include the first Celtic performances, musical acts, and concerts featuring groups such as Banduca Traslarroza, the Banda de Gaitas Garabanduya, Xara, Irish Treble, Os D’Abaixo, and The Taverners. Saturday’s programme will kick off at 11:00 with the opening of the Celtic market, which will remain active throughout the day alongside children’s games and artisan activities. The day will feature new thematic performances, roaming acts, and a rich musical programme culminating in concerts by Cahornega, Astro Bloc, Irish Treble, and Numabela on the festival’s main stage.
Sunday will be marked by the participation of traditional groups and bagpipe bands from various regions of Cantabria and Asturias. Following the opening of the market and family activities, one of the festival's highlights will occur: a grand parade of bands that will traverse the municipality from Corro Campíos to the Folkomillas camp. Participating formations will include Dulzainas del Astillero, Peña Gediu, Gaiteros al Tresboliyu, Banduca L’Ábrigu, Banda de Gaites El Gumial, Banda de Gaitas La Montaña, and Villaviciosa El Gaitero, reinforcing the event's identity and traditional character as a reference for folk music in northern Spain.
The programme will conclude with performances by Coro Brumas Norteñas, Ramón Bueno & Banda, and Tresboliyu Folk, bringing a festive close to three days of celebration.
Organisers have noted that the festival is supported by the municipality of Comillas, the Government of Cantabria through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Cantabrian Regional Society for Tourist Promotion (CANTUR), the Cantabria Infinita brand, the DePrau Association (Association of Folk Festivals), and the Saja Nansa Rural Development Association.
