Zaragoza’s cultural landscape is set to take a bold step onto the international stage with the inaugural edition of the Monumental Tour in Spain. Mayor Natalia Chueca announced the landmark event today, positioning it as a crucial effort to elevate Zaragoza’s standing in European culture. The Monumental Tour, an immersive visual and musical experience helmed by French DJ and producer Michael Canitrot, will unfold in the city’s iconic Plaza del Pilar on October 25, 2024.
This innovative project brings together heritage, cutting-edge digital art, and electronic music, offering a spectacular fusion that aims to spotlight Zaragoza’s historical and architectural treasures. Supported by the French National Commission for UNESCO, Monumental Tour has previously captivated audiences across Europe, with over 50,000 people attending performances at renowned sites such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel. Now, the Spanish debut of this cultural phenomenon will showcase the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar as a grand stage, combining technology and tradition in a one-of-a-kind experience.
A Cultural Milestone for Zaragoza
In her announcement, Mayor Natalia Chueca emphasized the importance of this event in cementing Zaragoza’s reputation as a center for cultural innovation. “This is not just a concert; it’s an opportunity to present Zaragoza to the world in a new light, highlighting our unique historical identity while embracing the most avant-garde artistic expressions,” Chueca said. The event, which will transform the vast Plaza del Pilar into a multimedia spectacle of laser lights, video mapping, and music, is designed to attract both local residents and international visitors.
“It’s a powerful statement about what Zaragoza has to offer the world.”
By leveraging the city’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the Baroque majesty of the Basilica, the Monumental Tour aims to blend the old with the new, drawing attention to Zaragoza’s unique place on the cultural map of Europe. Chueca noted that the event would serve as a showcase for Zaragoza’s ability to host world-class cultural productions, further boosting its tourism and cultural prestige.
UNESCO-Backed Immersive Experience
The Monumental Tour is not just an event but part of a broader mission to raise awareness about the preservation of historical sites through contemporary art forms. The support of UNESCO underscores the global cultural significance of the initiative. Michael Canitrot, the creative force behind the Monumental Tour, explained his decision to debut the event in Spain in Zaragoza: “The first time I saw the Basilica del Pilar, I was struck by its grandeur. This location was ideal for our first Monumental Tour in Spain. We are bringing the past and future together, blending heritage and technology to create something truly special.”
Accompanied by renowned DJs David Penn and local talent Ms Von Disko, Canitrot’s performance will integrate electronic music with a high-tech light show that bathes the Basilica in vibrant colors and mesmerizing projections. This synergy between the ancient and the futuristic will turn Zaragoza’s most famous monument into a canvas for contemporary digital art.
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Zaragoza on the European Cultural Map
The Monumental Tour’s arrival in Zaragoza is part of a larger strategy by the city council to elevate Zaragoza’s profile in the competitive landscape of European cultural tourism. By embracing modern trends in electronic music and digital art, while showcasing Zaragoza’s historical gems, the event aligns with the city’s vision to become a cultural hub. This project, financed by European Union Next Generation funds, and with the support of the regional government of Aragón and telecommunications giant Telefónica, marks a new chapter for Zaragoza.
“Once again, our beloved Plaza del Pilar will be seen in a completely new way,” Mayor Chueca said. “It’s a powerful statement about what Zaragoza has to offer the world.”
As part of its mission, Monumental Tour invites audiences to reimagine the significance of historical monuments in the modern world, promoting both cultural preservation and artistic exploration. Zaragoza’s debut as a host city positions it as a dynamic player in Europe’s evolving cultural scene.
With more than 50 artists and 150 technical staff involved in each performance, Monumental Tour has become a must-see event for lovers of electronic music, art, and history. Its debut in Spain is poised to leave a lasting impression, cementing Zaragoza’s place on the global cultural map.
An Unmissable Cultural Event
Scheduled for October 25, 2024, the Zaragoza edition of the Monumental Tour promises to be one of the standout events of the year. With its blend of digital innovation, historical reverence, and contemporary music, it will not only highlight the city’s heritage but also provide a glimpse into the future of large-scale cultural events.
As Monumental Tour continues its journey across Europe, it will leave behind not just memorable performances, but a legacy of how music, technology, and heritage can converge to create something extraordinary.
About Monumental Tour
Launched in 2019, Monumental Tour is an international musical event created by DJ and producer Michael Canitrot. Combining electronic music with state-of-the-art digital art installations, it highlights historical monuments in a fresh, immersive way. The tour has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Event of the Year 2023 in Nancy, France, and has received special recognition from the French Institute of History and Heritage.
