The theatre Ideal in Calahorra has revealed its new programme for November and December, featuring a total of 18 performances designed for all audiences. The lineup includes theatre, music, humour, film, and magic, providing a rich cultural experience for residents and visitors alike as the year comes to a close.
The season will kick off on Friday, 6 November, at 20:00 with an improvisation show titled ‘Improyayas’ and the screening of the documentary short film ‘Protagonistas’. The following day, Saturday 7 November, at 19:00, the Arnedo choir Cuchuflete will perform a concert entitled ‘Voces que construyen’, showcasing a diverse repertoire that spans pop, rock, zarzuela, sacred music, and Christmas carols. This event is organised by the Cofradía de la Santa Vera Cruz in collaboration with the Calahorra City Council to raise funds for the restoration of the San Francisco temple.
On Sunday, 8 November, children will have their first opportunity to enjoy the theatre with the children's play ‘Esto es un poema’ at 19:00. The programme also includes two zarzuela performances on 14 and 15 November by the Teatro Lírico Andaluz, featuring the works ‘Manojo de rosas’ and ‘La Canción del Olvido’.
The Municipal Band of Music of Calahorra will present a concert on Friday, 20 November, at 20:30 to celebrate Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. The Santa Cecilia musical association has scheduled a performance titled ‘Manuel de Falla: 150 years of music and fire’ for Saturday, 21 November, at 20:00. On Saturday, 28 November, at 20:00, audiences can look forward to the magic gala ‘Rioja: tierra de magia’, featuring regional and national artists in a show filled with humour, emotion, and grand illusions suitable for all ages.
November will conclude with the theatrical performance ‘El día de San Judas’ on 29 November at 19:00, offering a sharp reflection on political and social manipulation, populism, and the hypocrisy of local elites, presented in a style inspired by German expressionism and the dark humour of Quentin Tarantino.
The December programme will commence with a Christmas concert by the Calahorra Conservatory of Music on Thursday, 10 December, at 19:30. On Saturday, 12 December, the IES Valle del Cidacos will celebrate its 80th anniversary at 19:00, followed by a charity Christmas concert by the NGO Salus Infirmorum on 16 December at 19:30.
The Municipal Band of Music of Calahorra will return to the Ideal stage for its Christmas concert on Friday, 18 December, at 20:30. Humour will take centre stage on 19 December at 20:00 with a monologue by actor Santi Rodríguez, while singer Carlos Pérez will perform a flamenco concert on 20 December at 20:00, blending traditional Christmas themes with fresh interpretations of popular carols.
Children can enjoy a puppet festival during the Christmas holidays, starting with performances of ‘Un gigante egoísta’ and ‘La Isla del Tesoro’ on Saturday, 26 December, and Monday, 28 December, respectively, both at 18:30. The year will conclude with a performance of ‘Blancanieves’, marking the end of the Ideal's programme for 2026.
Tickets and discounts
There will be a children's subscription available for the three performances of the XXXVI Puppet Festival, offering a 35% discount for the shows on 26, 28, and 29 December. Additionally, a youth ticket priced at 4 euros will be available for those under 30, while seniors over 60 and young people with a youth card or unemployed individuals can benefit from a 50% discount. Wheelchair users will have access to the theatre's seating at the most economical ticket price.
Tickets for the shows on 6, 7, and 8 November will be available from 20 October, while tickets for the remaining performances can be purchased starting 29 October at 12:00. The theatre box office will be open from 12:00 to 14:00 on selected days in October, November, and December.
