International Festival of Santander 2025 – Santander, Cantabria, Spain

Background and History

The Festival Internacional de Santander (FIS), founded in 1948, is one of Spain’s most prestigious cultural events, transforming Santander and Cantabria into a European cultural hub every August. Since its inception, it has showcased music, dance, theater, and opera, featuring world-renowned artists and ensembles. The 74th edition in 2025, approved by the festival’s Patronato, offers 50 performances, blending classical, contemporary, and regional talents. Held across iconic venues like the Palacio de Festivales and historic churches, the festival is a member of the European Festivals Association and a cornerstone of Cantabria’s cultural heritage.

Theme and Focus

The 2025 FIS emphasizes a diverse, high-quality program that balances traditional and innovative performances. With a focus on music (classical, lyrical, flamenco), dance (ballet, contemporary), and poetry, it aims to engage audiences through world-class artists like Hilary Hahn, Sonya Yoncheva, and Sir András Schiff, alongside emerging talents. The “Marcos Históricos” section highlights Cantabria’s historic venues, fostering cultural dialogue and regional pride.

Event Highlights

The 74th Festival Internacional de Santander, running August 1–31, 2025, features 50 performances across three main sections:

• Palacio de Festivales (20 performances):
  • Opening with Ballet Junior de la Ópera de París (August 1, Sala Argenta).
  • Highlights: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra with Hilary Hahn and Orfeón Donostiarra (August 30–31), Sonya Yoncheva with Orchestra of the Royal Opera of Versailles (August 18), Khatia Buniatishvili with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (August 24).
  • Unique shows: Rodrigo Cuevas (August 2–3, Sala Pereda), Medea (August 13–14, Sala Pereda), The Four Seasons Danced (August 6, Sala Argenta).
• Marcos Históricos (28 performances):
  • Concerts in historic venues like Santander’s Claustro de la Catedral, San Vicente de la Barquera’s Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, and Noja’s Iglesia de San Pedro.
  • Artists: Giovanni Antonini (flute), Seldom Sene, Al Ayre Español, El León de Oro, and more.
  • Highlights: Jaime Naya and Eda Sevinis (violin/piano, August 7–8), Benjamin Alard (organ/harpsichord, August 21–22).
• Centro Botín (2 performances):
  • Kebyart (August 7), Percussions de Strasbourg (August 15).
• Additional Events:
  • Public talks, workshops, and masterclasses (TBD).
  • Iberia flight discounts (code: FESTINTSDRJU25, valid July 25–September 7, 2025).
  • Gift cards for a unique festival experience.

Dates and Duration

• Dates: August 1–31, 2025
• Duration: 31 days
• Ticket Sales: General and Bienvenida subscriptions from May 16, 2025; individual tickets from June 18, 2025.

Main Address

• Primary Venue: Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria, Calle Gamazo, s/n, 39004 Santander, Cantabria, Spain

All Venues

• Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria: Calle Gamazo, s/n, 39004 Santander (Sala Argenta, Sala Pereda, Terraza de Gamazo for Percussions de Strasbourg).
• Centro Botín: Muelle de Albareda, s/n, 39004 Santander (Auditorio for Kebyart, Percussions de Strasbourg).
• Marcos Históricos (selected venues):
  • Claustro de la Catedral: Plaza del Obispo José Eguino Trecu, 39001 Santander (August 2, Giovanni Antonini).
  • Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles: Av. de los Soportales, 39740 San Vicente de la Barquera (August 3–4, Seldom Sene).
  • Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Toraya: Barrio Hoz de Anero, 39793 Ribamontán al Monte (August 5–6, Al Ayre Español).
  • Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Latas: Somo-Loredo, 39160 Ribamontán al Mar (August 7–8, Jaime Naya/Eda Sevinis).
  • Iglesia de San Román: Viérnoles, 39315 Torrelavega (August 8, Jaime Naya/Eda Sevinis).
  • Castillo de San Vicente: Argüeso, 39212 Hermandad de Campoo de Suso (August 9, Alexander Boldachev, harp).
  • Parque de la Cueva del Valle: Rasines, 39860 (August 10, Alexander Boldachev).
  • Iglesia de San Sebastián: Plaza Mayor, 39200 Reinosa (August 11–12, El León de Oro).
  • Cueva El Soplao: Celis, 39557 Rionansa (August 12, El León de Oro).
  • Santuario de La Bien Aparecida: Barrio La Aparecida, 39849 Ampuero (August 13–14, Protean Quartet).
  • Iglesia de San Pedro: Plaza de la Iglesia, 39180 Noja (August 14–15, Protean Quartet, Trío Moment).
  • Jardines del Palacio del Marqués de Albaicín: Plaza de la Iglesia, 39180 Noja (August 16, Daniel García Trío & Vandalia).
  • El Torco, Fuerte Antiguo: Suances, 39340 (August 17, Daniel García Trío & Vandalia).
  • Iglesia de la Santa Cruz: Plaza de la Iglesia, 39776 Escalante (August 18, Dúo Cassadó).
  • Iglesia de San Martín de Tours: Barrio Ajo, 39170 Bareyo (August 19, Lawrence Zazzo/Tercia Realidad).
  • Iglesia de Santa María: Plaza de la Iglesia, 39790 Castro Urdiales (August 20, 26–27, Cum Altam, Marimar Fdez. Doval/Sara Castrillo).
  • Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción: Barrio Miera, 39723 Liérganes (August 22, Benjamin Alard).
  • Colegiata de Santa Juliana: Plaza de la Colegiata, 39330 Santillana del Mar (August 23, Sabrina Gárdez/Bernardo Rambeaud).
  • Iglesia de San Julián y Santa Basilisa: Plaza de la Iglesia, 39195 Isla (August 15, 25, Trío Moment, Hélix Trío).
  • Iglesia de San Cristóbal: Plaza de la Iglesia, 39520 Comillas (August 28, Nevermind).

Contact Information

• Administrative Office: Calle Gamazo, s/n, 39004 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
• Phone: +34 942 210 508
• Email: info@festivalsantander.com
• Website: www.festivalsantander.com
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/festivalsantander
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/festivalsantander
  • YouTube: www.youtube.com/@festivalsantander
• Tourist Info: www.turismodecantabria.com, www.santanderspain.info
• Ticket Inquiries: +34 942 22 34 34, www.festivalinternacionaldesantander.sacatuentrada.es

Ticket Information

• Pricing (1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD):
  • Palacio de Festivales: €10–€60 ($11–$66) per concert, depending on event and seating zone (Sala Argenta, Sala Pereda).
  • Marcos Históricos: ~€12–€20 ($13.20–$22), e.g., Jaime Naya/Eda Sevinis (€12/$13.20), Alexander Boldachev (€12/$13.20, some sold out).
  • Centro Botín: ~€10–€20 ($11–$22), e.g., Kebyart (€10/$11), Percussions de Strasbourg (€15/$16.50, sold out in advance).
  • Abono Pereda: €61 ($67.10) for four Sala Pereda shows (Rodrigo Cuevas, Jardín de Haikus, Medea, El género chico).
  • Subscriptions:
    • General and Bienvenida subscriptions: Available from May 16, 2025 (pricing TBD, ~€100–€300/$110–$330 based on prior years).
  • Discounts:
    • Students/Under 26: ~20–30% off (TBD).
    • Seniors (Over 65): ~20% off (TBD).
    • Groups (10+): ~€10–€15 ($11–$16.50) per ticket.
  • Free Events: Limited talks or workshops (TBD, check website).
• Purchase Information:
  • Online: www.festivalsantander.com, www.festivalinternacionaldesantander.sacatuentrada.es (from June 18, 2025).
  • On-Site: Taquilla de la Porticada (Plaza Porticada, Santander), 11:00–13:00 and 17:00–20:00, Tuesday–Saturday.
  • Palacio de Festivales Box Office: Calle Gamazo, s/n, 11:00–13:00 and 17:00–20:00, closed Sundays/Mondays.
  • Notes: Some events (e.g., Medea, Percussions de Strasbourg) sell out in advance; 10% of remaining tickets are available on performance day from 11:00. Iberia flight discount (code: FESTINTSDRJU25).

Cultural Experience

The Festival Internacional de Santander transforms Cantabria into a cultural epicenter, blending world-class performances with the region’s historic charm. From the grandeur of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra at Palacio de Festivales to intimate recitals in medieval churches, the festival offers a rich tapestry of music, dance, and poetry. Santander’s coastal beauty, combined with events like the Flamenco Ballet of Andalusia and Rodrigo Cuevas’ contemporary folk, creates an immersive experience for classical music enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

Food and Drinks

• Cocido Montañés: Cantabrian bean stew (~$11). Try at Restaurante Cañadío (Calle Gómez Oreña, 15, 39003 Santander).
• Rabas: Fried squid (~$7.70). At Bar La Cátedra (Calle Sta. Lucía, 17, 39003 Santander).
• Quesada Pasiega: Local cheesecake (~$4.40). At Pastelería La Colonial (Calle Isabel II, 10, 39002 Santander).
• Sidra: Cantabrian cider (~$5.50/bottle). At Sidrería La Cueva (Calle Hernán Cortés, 31, 39003 Santander).
• Anchovies: Cantabrian specialty (~$8.80). At Casa Lita (Paseo Pereda, 15, 39004 Santander). Visit Paseo Pereda or Plaza Cañadío for dining near Palacio de Festivales.

Family and Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: Select performances (e.g., Ballet Junior, El género chico) are suitable for families. Children’s discounts TBD (~50% off for under 12). Public talks may be free and open to all ages.
• Accessibility: Palacio de Festivales and Centro Botín are wheelchair-accessible. Marcos Históricos venues (e.g., churches) may have limitations; contact info@festivalsantander.com for accommodations. Santander’s modern areas are navigable, but historic sites may have cobblestones.

Getting There

• By Air: Santander Airport (SDR, 5 km, ~$11 taxi or $3.30 bus to city center). Bilbao (BIO, 100 km, ~$66 taxi or $8.80 bus).
• By Train: Santander Station (Renfe, Bilbao ~3 hr, $16.50; Madrid ~4 hr, $44). 10-minute walk or $5.50 taxi to Palacio de Festivales.
• By Bus: ALSA from Bilbao (90 min, $8.80) or Madrid (5 hr, $33) to Santander Bus Station (5-minute walk to venue).
• By Car: A-8 or N-634 to Santander. Park near Palacio de Festivales (~$2.20–$5.50/day). Note ZTL restrictions.
• Public Transport: Santander city buses (e.g., Line 1) to Calle Gamazo ($1.65). Venues are walkable from central Santander (5–10 minutes).

Program Overview

• August 1–31, 2025:
  • Palacio de Festivales:
    • August 1: Ballet Junior de la Ópera de París (Sala Argenta).
    • August 2–3: Rodrigo Cuevas (Sala Pereda).
    • August 5: Manchester Hallé Orchestra (Sala Argenta).
    • August 6: The Four Seasons Danced (Sala Argenta).
    • August 8: Sir András Schiff (Sala Argenta).
    • August 10: China NCPA Orchestra (Sala Argenta).
    • August 12: Jardín de Haikus (Sala Pereda).
    • August 13–14: Medea (Sala Pereda).
    • August 16: Percussions de Strasbourg (Terraza de Gamazo).
    • August 17: Akram Khan Company (Sala Argenta).
    • August 18: Sonya Yoncheva (Sala Argenta).
    • August 19: Leonidas Kavakos/ApollΩn Ensemble (Sala Argenta).
    • August 22: Lyrical Gala (Sala Argenta).
    • August 24: Khatia Buniatishvili/Melbourne Symphony (Sala Argenta).
    • August 25: El género chico (Sala Pereda).
    • August 26: Flamenco Ballet of Andalusia (Sala Argenta).
    • August 28: Tenerife Symphony Orchestra (Sala Argenta).
    • August 29: French Youth Orchestra (Sala Argenta).
    • August 30–31: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (Sala Argenta).
  • Centro Botín:
    • August 7: Kebyart.
    • August 15: Percussions de Strasbourg.
  • Marcos Históricos:
    • August 2–28: 28 concerts across Cantabria’s historic churches, castles, and caves (e.g., Claustro de la Catedral, Cueva El Soplao).
• Public Events: Talks, workshops, and masterclasses (TBD, check website).

Notable Features

• Star Performers: Hilary Hahn, Sonya Yoncheva, Khatia Buniatishvili, and Sir András Schiff.
• Marcos Históricos: Unique performances in Cantabria’s historic venues.
• Diverse Programming: From ballet and opera to flamenco and poetry.
• Iberia Discount: Code FESTINTSDRJU25 for flights to Santander/Bilbao.
• Accessibility: Broad appeal with student/senior discounts and gift card options.

Accommodation Tips

• Hotel Bahía: Calle Alfonso XIII, 6, 39002 Santander (~$88–$165/night), near Palacio de Festivales.
• Vincci Puertochico: Calle de Castelar, 25, 39004 Santander (~$66–$132/night), seafront location.
• Hostal La Mexicana: Calle Juan de Herrera, 3, 39002 Santander (~$44–$88/night), budget-friendly. Book early for August, as Santander attracts festival-goers. Check www.turismodecantabria.com for packages.

Planning Assistance

• Recommendations: Start with Ballet Junior (August 1) or Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (August 30–31) at Palacio de Festivales. Explore Marcos Históricos for intimate concerts (e.g., Cueva El Soplao). Visit Centro Botín for contemporary settings.
• Navigating Tickets: Buy Abono Pereda (€61/$67.10) for Sala Pereda shows or individual tickets online (www.festivalsantander.com) from June 18. Book early for Medea or Percussions de Strasbourg due to limited availability.
• Exploring Santander: Visit Magdalena Palace or Sardinero Beach (10-minute drive from the venue). Enjoy rabas at La Cátedra post-concert.
• Tips: Dress for warm August weather (~22°C/72°F). Arrive early for popular events. Use the Iberia discount for travel savings.