The rural culture is strong in the Comarca de las Cinco Villas. From May 3 to September 26, 45 towns in this Aragonese territory will host the eighth edition of the program ‘A la fresca’, an initiative that, beyond entertainment, represents a firm commitment to cultural access in less populated areas. This year, the program includes 84 performances from 36 companies and artists, with a strong focus on local talent.
Driven by the Comarca de Cinco Villas with the support of the Provincial Council of Zaragoza, the series aims to bring music, theater, circus, and storytelling to places where they usually do not reach. «It is a pleasure to support initiatives that bring culture to every corner of the comarca,» emphasized provincial deputy Alfredo Zaldívar, who also highlighted the importance of promoting the activity of both local and international creators and businesses.
More culture, more territory
The inaugural event will take place on May 3 in Longás, while the closing will be on September 26 in Valareña. In total, there will be 45 different venues —some in small communities or senior residences— hosting performances of circus acts, storytelling, magic, theater, or music.
Armando Soria, councilor of Culture and Tourism for the Comarca, has been clear: “We are entering places where it is really difficult to get. We democratize culture. It is not only those who live in big cities who have the right to enjoy it”. In his speech, he also asserted that “culture originates in the rural world, culture with a capital C”, and emphasized the goal of generating pride and belonging, through a public call that resulted in a selection of more than 40 local proposals.
Artists with roots and future
Among the prominent names in the lineup are cincovilles artists like Esther Vallejo, Vegetal Jam, Ixeya, as well as new voices like Patri and Mar, Naz, and Universal Sound. Marian Nadal, the program coordinator and a regular artist of the series, has stated that participating in this program is “a great opportunity for artists”. She herself has traveled for years through the comarca with her cuplés show, becoming a familiar and beloved figure in this cultural circuit.
Additionally, the organization has allowed each municipality to choose the performances that best suit their preferences, which has favored a customized program with strong community involvement.
More than leisure: a development strategy
‘A la fresca’ is not just a cultural event: it is part of a long-term revitalization strategy to keep activity alive in the villages. In the fall, this series will be complemented by ‘Al abrigo’, another program of performances that will take place from October to December. Together, more than 150 annual performances will traverse the territory.
The complete program for ‘A la fresca 2025’ will be available soon on the portals www.comarcacincovillas.es and www.turismocincovillas.com, as well as on the comarca’s social media.
