Ancient Music Festival of Úbeda and Baeza – Spain 2025

Background and History

Founded in 1997, the Festival de Música Antigua de Úbeda y Baeza (FeMAUB) is a premier early music festival held in the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Úbeda and Baeza, Jaén, Andalusia, Spain. It celebrates the region’s Renaissance heritage through performances of Renaissance and Baroque music in historic venues, such as churches and palaces designed by Andrés de Vandelvira.

FeMAUB, a member of the Red Europea de Música Antigua (REMA) since 2007 and FestClásica since 2008, has earned accolades like the 2006 “Mejor Institución Cultural de Andalucía” and the 2020 GEMA Award for Best Early Music Festival in Spain. The festival promotes Iberian and Hispano-American musical heritage, with over 300 YouTube videos showcasing premieres and recordings. The 2025 edition, the 29th, continues its legacy of cultural excellence and innovation.

Theme and Focus

The 2025 FeMAUB theme is not yet announced, but 2024’s “Peregrinajes” (Pilgrimages), inspired by the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death, explored music along historic routes like the Camino de Santiago and Ruta de la Seda. The 2025 edition is expected to adopt a similar thematic approach, focusing on historical music from the 16th–19th centuries, emphasizing intercultural connections and the recovery of forgotten repertoires, as per www.festivalubedaybaeza.com.

Event Highlights

The 29th FeMAUB, expected in November–December 2025, will feature a diverse program across Úbeda and Baeza, based on 2024’s structure:

• Ciclo Principal: 15 concerts in historic venues, showcasing ensembles like Numen Ensemble, Real Capilla del Pópulo, and Vox Cantoris. 2024 included programs like Manuel García “Sagrado”: Misa nº 4 and music from the Ruta de la Seda.
• Ciclo Vandelvira: Concerts in Jaén province’s Vandelvira-designed churches and palaces, extending the festival’s reach.
• Conciertos Didácticos: Educational concerts for schoolchildren in Úbeda and Baeza, led by groups like Anacronía.
• Conciertos Sociales: Performances at Hospital Comarcal San Juan de la Cruz, Úbeda, for patients and families.
• FeMAUB Académico: Jornadas Internacionales de Investigación (December, Baeza) on topics like “Polifonías Hispánicas” and a conference (e.g., 2024’s “Paisajes Sonoros de la Ruta de la Seda”).
• Puente de la Música Antigua: Highlight during the Inmaculada holiday (December 4–8), attracting large audiences with key performances.
• YouTube Archive: Concerts recorded for the festival’s YouTube channel, a major repository of early music.

Awards

• Mejor Institución Cultural de Andalucía (2006, El Público-RTVA).
• EFFE Label (2017–2018, 2019–2021) for innovative festivals.
• Premio GEMA (2020) for Best Early Music Festival in Spain.
• Premio Jaén, Paraíso Interior (2021).

Dates and Duration

• Estimated Dates: Late November to mid-December 2025 (based on 2024: November 23–December 8).
• Duration: ~16 days.
• Note: Exact 2025 dates are pending; check www.festivalubedaybaeza.com for updates.

Main Address

• Primary Venue: Catedral de Baeza, Plaza de Santa María, 23440 Baeza, Jaén, Spain (inaugural concert, e.g., Numen Ensemble in 2024).

All Venues

• Úbeda:
  • Hospital de Santiago: Calle Obispo Cobos, 23400 Úbeda (main venue, multiple halls like Sala Pintor Elbo).
  • Iglesia de San Lorenzo: Calle San Lorenzo, 23400 Úbeda (Ciclo Vandelvira).
  • Sacra Capilla del Salvador: Plaza Vázquez de Molina, 23400 Úbeda.
• Baeza:
  • Catedral de Baeza: Plaza de Santa María, 23440 Baeza (inaugural and major concerts).
  • Antigua Escribanía: Calle Escribanías, 23440 Baeza (smaller performances).
  • Iglesia de San Andrés: Plaza de San Andrés, 23440 Baeza.
• Ciclo Vandelvira (Jaén Province):
  • Iglesia de San Pedro: Plaza de la Iglesia, 23700 Linares.
  • Iglesia de Santa María: Plaza de la Constitución, 23520 Begíjar.
  • Other Vandelvira-designed churches/palaces (TBD, check website).
• Hospital Comarcal San Juan de la Cruz: Carretera de Linares, km 1, 23400 Úbeda (Conciertos Sociales).
• UNIA Sede Antonio Machado: Plaza de San Francisco, 23440 Baeza (academic events).

Contact Information

• Administrative Office: Not explicitly listed; contact via email or phone.
• Phone: +34 687 934 417
• Email: info@festivalubedaybaeza.org, prensa.fmaub@gmail.com (press)
• Website: www.festivalubedaybaeza.com
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/festivalubedaybaeza
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/femaub
  • X: www.twitter.com/femaub
  • YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FeMAUB
• Tourist Info: www.andalucia.org, www.turjaen.org
• Academic Inquiries: www.unia.es (for Jornadas Internacionales).

Ticket Information

• Pricing (1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD, based on 2024):
  • General Admission: €12 ($13.20) for advance tickets to paid concerts (8 of 15 in 2024).
  • Free Concerts: 7 of 15 concerts are free until capacity is reached (e.g., Catedral de Baeza, smaller venues).
  • Discounts:
    • Cultural Associations (Musical): €10 ($11).
    • Under 30/Over 65: €5 ($5.50).
    • University Community (UJA, UNIA, UNED): €5 ($5.50, Grada Universitaria).
    • Under 18 (Bono Cultural Joven): Eligible for discounts.
  • Purchase Information:
    • Online: www.festivalubedaybaeza.com (Tickets section, expected October 2025).
    • On-Site: Box offices at main venues (e.g., Catedral de Baeza, Hospital de Santiago).
    • Notes: Advance tickets include minor fees. Free concerts require no tickets, but early arrival is advised. Check the website for 2025 pricing updates.

Cultural Experience

FeMAUB transforms Úbeda and Baeza into a living museum of early music, set against their Renaissance architecture. Performances in venues like Catedral de Baeza and Sacra Capilla del Salvador blend historical ambiance with Baroque and Renaissance repertoires. The festival’s focus on Iberian and Hispano-American music, academic conferences, and social concerts fosters cultural dialogue. Visitors can explore UNESCO sites like Plaza Vázquez de Molina while enjoying local cuisine, enhancing the immersive experience.

Food and Drinks

• Migas: Crumbly dish with chorizo (~$8.80). Try at Restaurante El Blanquillo (Calle Real, 1, 23400 Úbeda).
• Andrajos: Rabbit stew with noodles (~$11). At Taberna Misa de 12 (Plaza 1º de Mayo, 7, 23440 Baeza).
• Ochíos: Anise-flavored bread (~$3.30). At Panadería La Tahona (Calle Sacramento, 11, 23400 Úbeda).
• Vino de Jaén: Local red (~$5.50/glass). At La Tintorería (Calle Real, 57, 23400 Úbeda).
• Torta de Aceite: Olive oil biscuit (~$2.20). At Pastelería Díaz (Calle San Pablo, 3, 23440 Baeza). Visit Plaza del Pópulo (Baeza) or Plaza Vázquez de Molina (Úbeda) for dining near venues.

Family and Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: Conciertos Didácticos are designed for schoolchildren, and some free concerts (e.g., Plaza del Pópulo) suit families. Discounts for under 18 via Bono Cultural Joven.
• Accessibility: Catedral de Baeza and Hospital de Santiago are partially wheelchair-accessible; smaller churches may have steps. Contact info@festivalubedaybaeza.org for accommodations. Cobblestone streets in Úbeda/Baeza may pose challenges; plan routes via modern areas.

Getting There

• By Air: Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX, 100 km, ~$66 taxi or $11 bus to Jaén, then $5.50 to Úbeda/Baeza). Málaga (AGP, 200 km, $132 taxi or $16.50 bus).
• By Train: Linares-Baeza Station (Renfe, Madrid ~3 hr, $33; Málaga ~2.5 hr, $22). Then ALSA bus to Úbeda/Baeza (20 min, $2.20).
• By Bus: ALSA from Jaén (45 min, $5.50) or Granada (2 hr, $11) to Úbeda/Baeza bus stations (walkable to venues).
• By Car: A-44 or A-316 to Úbeda/Baeza. Park near Plaza del Pópulo (~$1.10–$2.20/day). Note ZTL restrictions.
• Public Transport: Local buses connect Úbeda and Baeza (15 min, $1.65). Venues are walkable (5–10 minutes from city centers).

Program Overview

• Estimated November 22–December 7, 2025 (based on 2024):
  • Opening Concert: Catedral de Baeza (e.g., Numen Ensemble in 2024).
  • Ciclo Principal: 15 concerts in Úbeda/Baeza (e.g., Vox Cantoris, Capella de Ministrers).
  • Ciclo Vandelvira: Concerts in Jaén province (e.g., Linares, Begíjar).
  • Conciertos Didácticos: School performances (dates TBD).
  • Conciertos Sociales: Hospital San Juan de la Cruz (dates TBD).
  • FeMAUB Académico: Jornadas Internacionales (December 4–5, UNIA Baeza).
  • Puente de la Música Antigua: December 4–8, major concerts.
  • Closing Concert: Likely in Hospital de Santiago or Catedral de Baeza.

Notable Features

• UNESCO Setting: Performances in Renaissance venues enhance the musical experience.
• Ciclo Vandelvira: Extends concerts to Jaén’s historic sites.
• Academic Program: Jornadas Internacionales attract scholars and enthusiasts.
• YouTube Repository: Over 300 videos preserve rare repertoires.
• Social Impact: Conciertos Sociales brings music to hospital communities.

Accommodation Tips

• Parador de Úbeda: Plaza Vázquez de Molina, 1, 23400 Úbeda (~$88–$165/night), historic setting.
• Hotel Rosaleda de Don Pedro: Calle Obispo Toral, 2, 23440 Baeza (~$55–$110/night), near Catedral.
• Hostal Los Cerros: Calle Peñarroya, 8, 23400 Úbeda (~$33–$66/night), budget-friendly. Book early for November/December, as Úbeda and Baeza attract festival-goers. Check www.turjaen.org for packages.

Planning Assistance

• Recommendations: Attend the opening concert at Catedral de Baeza for a grand start. Join free concerts in Plaza del Pópulo or smaller churches. Participate in Jornadas Internacionales (register via www.unia.es). Visit Ciclo Vandelvira for unique venues.
• Navigating Tickets: Buy advance tickets (€12/$13.20) at www.festivalubedaybaeza.com (October 2025). Free concerts require no tickets, but arrive 30 minutes early. Discounts for students/seniors via website.
• Exploring Úbeda/Baeza: Visit Plaza Vázquez de Molina (Úbeda) or Catedral de Baeza (5-minute walk from venues). Enjoy migas at local tabernas post-concert.
• Tips: Dress for cool November/December weather (~10°C/50°F). Check www.festivalubedaybaeza.com for 2025 dates and program (expected September 2025). Bring comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.