Rototom Sunsplash – Spain 2025

Background & History

Rototom Sunsplash is one of the world’s largest reggae festivals, founded in 1994 in Italy before moving to Benicàssim, Spain, in 2010. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, the event runs from August 16 to 23, attracting over 200,000 attendees annually with a focus on reggae music, culture, and community. Held in Benicàssim, a coastal town known for its beaches and festivals, it promotes values of peace, sustainability, and social awareness through music, workshops, and forums.

The 2025 edition features a historic lineup, special guests, and exclusive activities to mark three decades, blending international reggae stars with emerging talents. The festival’s cultural areas emphasize personal growth, ecology, and global solidarity, making it a unique blend of music and activism.

Event Highlights

The Rototom Sunsplash 2025 offers an immersive reggae experience with:

• Over 200 concerts across multiple stages, featuring headliners like Burning Spear, Shaggy, Tiken Jah Fakoly, and Julian Marley.
• Cultural areas include the Social Forum for debates, Reggae University for academic discussions, and Pachamama for eco-workshops.
• Free activities at Solé Rototom Beach, including music and beach events.
• Merchandise like Reggae Packs (€32–39, ~$35–43 USD) and a limited edition 30th anniversary shirt.
• Glamping and camping options for on-site stays, with family-friendly zones like Mágico Mundo for children.
• Solidarity initiatives, such as Move 4 Gaza and NGO collaborations, reflect the festival’s commitment to social causes.
• World gastronomy from over 15 countries, with vegetarian and vegan options.

Lineup Details

The 2025 lineup features a mix of reggae legends and contemporary artists across stages:

• Main Stage: Burning Spear, Shaggy, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Julian Marley, Tarrus Riley, Third World, Ana Tijoux.
• Lion Stage: Green Valley, Morodo, Nadia McAnuff, Dukes of Roots, Mortimer.
• Dub Academy: Warrior Sound, Big Red, Abakush.
• Dance Hall: No Ice Cream Sound, The Silly Walks, Greenlight.
• Jamkunda Stage: Afrobrunch, Afrosplash, Afrovice, Ayanna Heaven, Benjamin.
• Additional acts: Zaz, Depa, Kianka Town Squad, and more, with a focus on Caribbean rhythms and dub remixes. The full lineup emphasizes roots reggae, dub, and afrobeats, with special 30th anniversary performances.

Schedule Overview

The festival spans August 16–23, with activities from afternoon to late night. Key highlights include:

• Daily concerts start around 8:00 PM on stages like the Main Stage and the Lion Stage.
• Social Forum sessions (August 16–21) at Teatre Municipal de Benicàssim, featuring films like “Bob Marley: One Love” (5:45 PM) and debates on eco-anxiety (4:00 PM).
• Pachamama: Yoga (5:00 PM), biodanza (5:00 PM), and ancestral wisdom dialogues (7:00 PM).
• Mágico Mundo: Free play (4:00 PM–10:00 PM), storytelling (4:30 PM), circus shows (4:30 PM–7:00 PM).
• Reggae University: Films and panels (4:15 PM–8:00 PM) on reggae history and artists like Mad Professor.
• Discovery Lab: Science workshops (5:30 PM–9:30 PM) on ice cream science and deepfakes.
• Evening circus shows (9:00 PM) and dance classes (10:00 PM) in the Dance Hall.
• The full schedule is available on rototomsunsplash.com, with beach activities at Solé Rototom Beach.

Date & Duration

Dates: August 16–23, 2025

Duration: 8 days

Programme announcement: Available on rototomsunsplash.com

Ticket sales: On sale since December 15, 2024

Venues

The festival is primarily at the main site in Benicàssim, with multiple areas:

• Main Stage: Headliner performances.
• Lion Stage: Emerging and outstanding reggae artists.
• Dub Academy: Roots and dub with unique sound systems.
• Dance Hall: Sound system, yard, and dance steps.
• Jumping: Black roots music and contemporary forms.
• Jamkunda Stage: Afrobeats, afrohouse, dancehall, funk, disco.
• SunBeach: Free music and activities at Solé Rototom Beach.
• Social Forum: Debates at Teatre Municipal de Benicàssim.
• Reggae University: Academic gatherings.
• Pachamama: Eco and personal growth workshops.
• Mágico Mundo: Family play area.
• Discovery Lab: Science and music intersection.
• House of Rastafari: Rastafarian culture space.
• Social Art Gallery: Live art creation.
• ArteSano Market: Crafts and workshops.
• Non-profit Area: Volunteering and solidarity.
• Open-air Market: Over 100 stalls. All venues are within the main festival grounds, connected by shuttle buses.

Main Location Address

N-340, km. 986, 3, 12560 Benicasim, Castellón, Spain

The primary site is accessible by road, with shuttle buses from airports and Benicàssim town center.

Contact Information

Address: Carretera N-340 Km. 986,3, Benicàssim, Spain

Telephone: +34 964 30 52 20

Email: rototom@rototom.com

Website: rototomsunsplash.com

Social media: Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available on rototomsunsplash.com.

• 8-Day Pass: ~$308 + fees
• 7-Day Pass: ~$286 + fees
• 6-Day Pass: ~$253 + fees
• 5-Day Pass: ~$231 + fees
• 4-Day Pass: ~$198 + fees
• 3-Day Pass: ~$154 + fees
• 2-Day Pass: ~$105 + fees
• 1-Day Pass: ~$53–55 + fees
• Discounts include free entry for children under 12, seniors over 65, and disabled individuals with a €10 (~$11) donation; 50% off for youth 13–17, accompanying persons, and Benicàssim residents; Cultural Bonus eligibility; 20% off for Villarreal CF season ticket holders.

Cultural Experience

Rototom Sunsplash celebrates reggae culture with a focus on peace, sustainability, and social justice. The 30th anniversary edition features Nyahbinghi chanting, Rastafari seminars, African storytelling, and art workshops like drypoint and upcycling. Areas like House of Rastafari explore Rastafarian traditions, while Social Art Gallery offers live creations. Activities include biodanza, yoga, and discussions on eco-anxiety and ancestral wisdom. The festival’s ethos promotes decolonizing minds through art, with solidarity for causes like Gaza. World gastronomy and family zones create a holistic experience of music, reflection, and community.

Food & Drinks

The festival offers world gastronomy from food stalls featuring dishes from Thailand, Italy, Argentina, France, Morocco, Venezuela, Colombia, Senegal, Japan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, and Spanish regions like the Valencian Community, Catalonia, and Andalusia. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Free drinking water points are provided throughout the venue. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but bars serve beverages, including alcohol-free options. Cashless payments may be used for convenience.

Family & Accessibility

The festival is family-friendly, with areas like Mágico Mundo for spontaneous play, storytelling, and circus shows. Children under 12 enter free, and Teen Yard offers urban activities like parkour and basketball. Accessibility includes platforms for disabled individuals at concerts, reserved parking for reduced mobility, and adapted campsite areas. The venue is prepared for people with disabilities, with chemical restrooms and medical support. Free entry for disabled attendees with a donation; 50% discount for accompanying persons.

Getting There

Benicàssim is accessible via Valencia Airport (90 km) or Castellón Airport (20 km), with shuttle buses available (tickets at the festival). By car, use A-7 or N-340 highways; parking is available near the venue. Trains stop at Benicàssim Station, with buses or taxis to the site. Festival shuttles connect to Solé Rototom Beach and the town center. For airport transfers, check rototomsunsplash.com; no direct phone booking.

Sustainability Initiatives

Rototom emphasizes sustainability with eco-workshops in Pachamama, focusing on soil care and agroecology. Green trash points promote recycling, and the festival encourages public transport via shuttles. Initiatives include reducing waste through reusable items and partnering with NGOs for environmental causes. The ethos of reconnection with Mother Earth is central, with activities like medicine wheel inaugurations.

Accommodation Options

Accommodations near Benicàssim include:

• Campsite: 8-Day Camping ~$88 + fees.
• Glamping: €114.45–1,008 (~$126–1,109 USD), with luxury tents and amenities.
• Hotels: Options like Hotel Servigroup Papa Luna (~$150/night) or budget hostels (~$50/night).
• Airbnb: Rentals in Benicàssim from ~$60/night. Book early; the festival website lists partners. Campsite access from specified times, with shade available.