As autumn settles over northern Spain, the V Edition of the Fifty-Fifty Jazz & Poetry Festival 2025 invites music and poetry lovers to Avilés. Set for September 25-28, 2025, this vibrant festival blends jazz melodies with poetic verses, creating a unique cultural experience. Held in historic venues across Avilés, it brings together artists and audiences for a weekend of creativity, connection, and community in a city known for its charm and cultural depth.
A Celebration of Jazz and Poetry
Since its start, the Fifty-Fifty Jazz & Poetry Festival has grown into one of northern Spain’s most unique cultural events. Built on a love for jazz music and poetic expression, it offers a space where these art forms meet in harmony. The 2025 edition, held over four days, promises to draw thousands to Avilés, celebrating both established and emerging artists in a setting that values art over spectacle.
Set in venues like the Palacio Valdés Theatre, the Auditorium of the House of Culture, and the Cultural Factory, the festival creates an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. There are no flashy lights or oversized stages, just soulful music, heartfelt words, and a sense of shared joy.
The Site: Avilés’ Cultural Heart
The festival unfolds across Avilés’ historic venues, each with its own charm. The main stage at the Palacio Valdés Theatre hosts major performances, while the Cultural Factory’s Sala Club offers a cozy space for poetry recitals and smaller jazz sets. The Auditorium of the House of Culture provides a grand setting for headline concerts, blending Avilés’ rich history with modern creativity.
Between events, attendees can wander Avilés’ cobblestone streets, enjoy local tapas like cachopo or fabada, or relax in cafes near the city’s old town. The festival’s layout encourages exploration, with performances, workshops, and street events weaving through the city’s cultural spaces.
A Line-up of Musical and Poetic Talent
The Fifty-Fifty Festival shines with its diverse line-up, balancing jazz and poetry with equal care. In 2025, expect a mix of international and local artists, including stars like Alberto San Juan, who opens the festival on September 26 with “Nueva York en un Poeta” at the Palacio Valdés Theatre, blending music and poetry inspired by Federico García Lorca. On September 27, Ray Gelato and Enric Peidro’s Nonet will bring swing classics to the Auditorium of the House of Culture, while Lucía Rey’s “Nómadas” kicks off the festival on September 25 at the Cultural Factory.
Other highlights include Matteo Paggi & The Giraffes, Daahoud Salim Quintet, and poetry recitals featuring voices like Aurora Luque, Corina Oproae, and Fernando Beltrán. The festival’s program, rooted in its “45% jazz, 45% poetry, 10% whatever” philosophy, ensures a rich mix of performances that speak to both heart and soul.
Days and Nights of Art and Connection
Days at the festival flow with a gentle rhythm. Mornings and afternoons feature workshops, like poetry and writing sessions or Ray Gelato’s jazz masterclass on September 26. The Sala Club hosts poetic recitals, such as the September 25 event with Aurora Luque and others, while street events like the Pasacalles with musicians and poets bring Avilés’ center to life.
Evenings light up with major performances. On September 27, the Ray Gelato & Enric Peidro Nonet delivers a vibrant swing show, while the closing concert on September 28 features Marina Lledó and a Cuban quartet. Free activities, like exhibitions and children’s workshops, add to the festive vibe, making the event welcoming for all ages. The sense of connection between artists and audiences remains strong, with post-show talks and open mic sessions fostering dialogue.
A Festival Built on Shared Values
The Fifty-Fifty Festival is more than music and poetry, it’s a celebration of creativity and community. It honors diversity, with a commitment to equal representation of men and women, established and emerging artists, and national and international talent. Free parallel activities, like talks, exhibitions, and street performances, make the festival accessible to everyone.
The event supports Avilés’ local economy by partnering with regional vendors for food and drink, and it promotes sustainability through mindful practices. The schedule balances performances with time for spontaneous moments, like late-night jam sessions or poetic open mics, creating a sense of flow and discovery.
Reflecting on Fifty-Fifty 2024
The 2024 festival was a resounding success, with highlights including a soulful jazz performance that filled the Cultural Factory and a poetry recital that moved audiences to tears. Attendees praised the festival’s intimate vibe and the chance to connect with artists during workshops and street events. These moments set a high bar for 2025, with organizers planning an even richer program to close the summer cultural season.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets for the 2025 festival range from free to €18, depending on the event, and are available through the festival’s website or local vendors. Single-day and full-festival passes are offered, with some activities requiring prior registration. Early booking is recommended, as popular shows like Ray Gelato’s often sell out.
Avilés is easily reachable by car, train, or bus from major Spanish cities like Oviedo or Gijón. Venues are centrally located, and attendees can stay in charming hotels, guesthouses, or budget hostels in Avilés’ old town. Arriving early lets you enjoy the city’s historic charm and pre-festival street performances.
Why Fifty-Fifty Festival Stands Out
In a world of large-scale festivals, Fifty-Fifty feels refreshingly authentic. It skips corporate flair for genuine art, blending jazz and poetry in a way that feels natural and profound. Whether you’re swaying to swing music, listening to a poet’s words, or joining a workshop, the festival creates moments of connection that linger.
Its focus on balance, 45% jazz, 45% poetry, and 10% spontaneity, makes it unique. It’s a place where you might dance in the streets during a pasacalles, share a poem in an open mic, or lose yourself in a soulful melody under the stars. It’s about art, community, and belonging.
Exploring Avilés’ Charm
Outside festival hours, Avilés offers quiet beauty. Visitors can explore the old town’s medieval streets, visit the Niemeyer Center, or stroll along the estuary. Local markets sell Asturian crafts, and restaurants serve regional dishes like cider-poured fish or Cabrales cheese. A walk through the city’s parks or a visit to nearby beaches adds to the experience, making Avilés a perfect festival setting.
A Harmony of Jazz and Poetry
The V Edition of the Fifty-Fifty Jazz & Poetry Festival 2025 is more than an event, it’s a celebration of sound, words, and connection. Set in Avilés’ historic venues, it invites you to slow down, listen, and feel the magic of jazz and poetry woven together. Whether you’re a music lover, a poetry enthusiast, or a curious traveler, this festival promises memories that resonate long after the final note fades.
Follow the festival online for updates on tickets, schedules, and artist announcements:
Instagram: @fiftyfiftyfestival
Zond