Mérida Classical Theatre Festival – Spain 2025

Background & History

The Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival, celebrating its 71st edition in 2025, is the oldest and most prestigious classical theatre festival in Spain. Initiated in 1933 with a performance of Seneca’s Medea adapted by Miguel de Unamuno and starring Margarita Xirgu, it has been held annually in the Roman Theatre of Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, except for a hiatus from 1934 to 1953 due to political tensions.

Since 1954, it has run uninterrupted, showcasing Greco-Roman works by playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides. Directed by Jesús Cimarro of Pentación Espectáculos since 2012, the festival has grown into one of Spain’s top cultural events, attracting tens of thousands. A digital archive, launched in collaboration with the Consorcio Patronato, documents editions from 2012 onward, offering researchers access to programs, images, and press from festivaldemerida.es.

Festival Highlights

The 2025 festival, running from July 4 to August 31, features:

• 10 main productions at the Roman Theatre, including 7 world premieres, such as Numancia and Cleopatra enamorada, el musical.
• 7 additional shows at Teatro María Luisa, including dance and international works.
• International collaborations, with performances like Ifigenia traveling to Rome’s Ostia Festival.
• Parallel activities: courses, exhibitions, workshops, children’s events, and the Héroes y Heroínas storytelling show.
• Street parades in Mérida, Plasencia, and Medellín are enhancing the festive atmosphere.
• Global outreach with presentations in Osaka (May 22), Rome (June 4), and Lisbon (June 16).
• Accessibility features: audio-described, subtitled, loop-enabled, and headphone-amplified performances.

Program Details

The 71st edition offers a robust lineup, primarily at the Roman Theatre, with extensions at Teatro María Luisa, Madrid, Medellín, and Regina:

• Roman Theatre (Plaza Margarita Xirgu):
  • Numancia (July 4–6, 10:45 PM): Community of Madrid production with over 30 actors.
  • Alejandro y el eunuco persa (July 9–13, 10:45 PM): Directed by Pedro A. Penco.
  • Ifigenia (July 15–16, 10:45 PM): Extremadura production, returning from 2024, set to perform in Rome.
  • Edipo rey (July 18–19, 8:00 PM): Fondazione Teatro di Roma production.
  • Cleopatra enamorada, el musical (July 23–27, 10:45 PM): Starring Natalia Millán and Alex O’Dogherty.
  • Electra (July 30–Aug 3, 10:45 PM): Written by Eduardo Galán, directed by Lautaro Perotti, starring María León.
  • Memorias de Adriano (Aug 6–10, 10:45 PM): Co-production with Teatre Romea, starring Lluís Homar.
  • Las Troyanas (Aug 13–17, 10:45 PM): Directed by Carlota Ferrer, starring Isabel Ordaz.
  • Los hermanos (Aug 20–24, 10:45 PM): Terence’s play, starring Pepón Nieto and Eva Isanta.
  • Jasón y las furias (Aug 27–31, 10:45 PM): Teatro del Noctámbulo production, led by José Vicente Moirón.
• Teatro María Luisa:
  • Tebanas (July 5): Ay Teatro production, adapted by Álvaro Tato, directed by Yayo Cáceres.
  • Reactor Antígona (July 12): Dance performance by Marianela Boán Danza.
  • Ulises (July 19): Monologue by Antonio Campos.
  • Échale la culpa a Pandora (July 20): Starring Antonia San Juan.
  • Prometeu Agrilhoado (July 26): Portuguese production.
  • Agripina la Menor (Aug 1): Portuguese production, starring Nuria Cuadrado.
  • Orestiada (Aug, date TBD): Directed by Ernesto Caballero.
• Extensions:
  • Madrid: Features 2024 successes like Ifigenia, Coriolano, and 2023’s Las bingueras de Euripides.
  • Medellín: Roman Theatre hosts festival productions.
  • Regina: Includes El Gorgojo, supported by ONCE.
• Parallel Activities: Courses, exhibitions, workshops, children’s activities, conferences, and Agusto en Mérida street events, including a parade with four artistic offerings and Héroes y Heroínas storytelling.

Date & Duration

Dates: July 4–August 31, 2025

Duration: 59 days

Programme announcement: Available on festivaldemerida.es

Ticket sales: Open at entradas.com and Plaza Margarita Xirgu box office.

Venues

The festival utilizes historic and modern venues:

• Roman Theatre (Plaza Margarita Xirgu, Mérida): Primary venue, a 15 BC amphitheatre seating 6,000, hosting major productions.
• Teatro María Luisa (Mérida): Hosts 7 shows, including dance and international works.
• Roman Theatre of Medellín (Badajoz): Restored venue for festival extensions.
• Regina Theatre (Casas de Reina, Badajoz): Hosts key performances like El Gorgojo.
• Madrid: Venues like Teatro Bellas Artes and Teatros del Canal for extended runs.
• Other Sites: Street performances in Mérida, Plasencia, and Medellín, and Augusto en Mérida events at locations like Templo de Diana.

Main Location Address

Roman Theatre, Plaza Margarita Xirgu, Mérida, Spain

Box office: Next to the Roman Theatre entrance, open Monday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM

Note: The provided address, Calle Santa Julia 5, Mérida, is the Consorcio Patronato office, not the performance venue.

Contact Information

Email: comunicacion1@festivaldemerida.es

Phone: +34 924 009 480

Website: festivaldemerida.es

Box office: Plaza Margarita Xirgu, Mérida

Social media: Instagram (festival_merida), YouTube (youtube.com/@FestivaldeMerida)

Ticket Information

Tickets are available via entradas.com, phone (+34 924 009 480), or at the Plaza Margarita Xirgu box office.

• Roman Theatre:
  • Cavea Media & Lateral: $10.80 (€10)
  • Cavea Central: $21.60–43.20 (€20–40)
• Season Tickets:
  • 3–5 performances: Up to 20% discount
  • 6+ performances: Up to 50% discount
• Teatro María Luisa: Prices vary, typically $8.64–21.60 (€8–20)
• Youth Cultural Voucher: 18-year-olds in 2025 can use the voucher for any show
• Accessibility: Audio-described, subtitled, loop-enabled, and headphone-amplified performances; contact the box office for accessible seating
• Box office hours: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM. Tickets for extensions (Madrid, Medellín, Regina) vary by venue.

Cultural Experience

Set in Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the festival brings Greco-Roman theatre to life in the Roman Theatre, a 2,000-year-old venue. Productions like Edipo Rey and Las Troyanas connect modern audiences with ancient narratives, while stars like Pepón Nieto and María León add contemporary flair. Street parades and Agusto en Mérida events immerse visitors in Mérida’s Roman, Visigoth, and Islamic heritage.

Local cuisine, featuring jamón ibérico and Extremaduran wines, enhances the experience, with dining options near Plaza Margarita Xirgu. The festival’s global outreach, including Osaka and Rome, underscores its international prestige.

Family & Accessibility

Family-friendly events include Héroes y Heroínas storytelling and children’s workshops. All venues offer accessible seating, with the Roman Theatre providing wheelchair spaces, induction loops, and audio descriptions. Contact +34 924 009 480 for accessibility needs. Free tickets are available for social inclusion via local organizations.

Getting There

• Roman Theatre (Plaza Margarita Xirgu):
  • Train: Mérida Station, 10-minute walk; Renfe trains from Madrid or Badajoz.
  • Bus: Lines 1, 3 to Plaza de España, 5-minute walk.
  • Car: Limited parking; use public lots near Plaza de España.
• Airports: Badajoz (45 km) or Seville (200 km); Iberia offers 10% discounts for festival attendees.
• Other venues: Teatro María Luisa is central; Medellín and Regina are accessible by car or regional bus. Check renfe.es or alsa.es for schedules.

Sustainability Initiatives

The festival promotes sustainability by encouraging public transport and digital ticketing. The Roman Theatre’s open-air design minimizes energy use, and parallel activities include eco-focused workshops. Mérida’s walkable center supports low-impact travel between venues.

Accommodation Options

Mérida offers lodging near the Roman Theatre:

• Luxury: Parador de Mérida (Plaza Constitución 3), from $150/night
• Mid-range: Hotel Ilunion Mérida Palace (Plaza de España 19), from $90/night
• Budget: Hostal Anas (Av. Reina Sofia 9), from $40/night
• Boutique: Hotel Velada Mérida (Av. Princesa Sofia 10), from $80/night. Book via booking.com or turismomerida.org for festival proximity.