The iconic ‘Music in the Corners’ festival in Molinicos is celebrating its seventh edition this weekend, consolidating its position as one of the major cultural and tourist events in the province of Albacete.
In just seven years of existence, this event has become a symbol of active struggle against depopulation through a firm commitment to art, traditions and the potential of rural areas.
Something that the provincial vice-president, Fran Valera, and the deputies José González and Yolanda Ballesteros have confirmed, experiencing the event first-hand together with the mayor, Lola Serrano, coinciding also with provincial delegates, regional deputies and mayors of other towns in the province who did not want to miss this explosion of happiness in the streets of Molinicos.
Valera congratulated the mayor and the entire population for organizing the festival with the total involvement of many people: “Being able to see all this ‘live’… we can only congratulate the residents because it is obvious that this is an activity in which an entire town is involved, decorating every ‘corner’ of every street with such taste…; and I believe that this is precisely one of the keys to the success of this festival which, in just seven years, has made a special place for itself in the summer calendar with a proposal full of tradition and joy,” said the vice president.
Valera took the opportunity to highlight the role of artists who, with their talent, help make the name of Molinicos known beyond its borders, “attracting visitors and promoting the culture and history of this entire region of the Sierra del Segura.”
As the provincial leaders have confirmed, the festival, which in 2023 brought together more than 4,500 people, exceeding all expectations, continues to grow and improve in this 7th edition, designed for its greatest cultural and social impact with a programme that includes some 18 concerts in 16 locations in the old town of Molinicos, decorated for the occasion with the involvement of the town’s residents, and ‘spiced up’ with musical genres ranging from flamenco fusion to rockabilly, through jazz, indie and African music.
Strong support for a unique event that adds value to the province
This year, the Provincial Council of Albacete has doubled its financial support for this initiative, going from 3,000 to 6,000 euros, nearly 9% of the total cost planned for the festival. A commitment based on the success and the very positive impact of ‘Música en los rincones’ at various levels.
“We wanted to be there, one more year, collaborating with the city council in this event; and we do it out of full conviction: knowing that it is worthwhile to support all these initiatives undertaken by the municipalities, especially the ‘smaller’ ones, and because we believe in projects like this one that make culture a key agent for local revitalization and rural development,” said Valera.
‘Music in the Corners’ has become a great example of what a small town can achieve through unity of action and the involvement of its population, which has multiplied by five these days, demonstrating the potential of the rural world.
Therefore, it is an event that also proves to be a powerful “tourist attraction” and a driving force that “generates wealth and promotes social and cultural cohesion.” This year, with more artist corners and the participation of professional musicians and groups who, together with amateur artists such as those who have participated in previous editions, aspire to consolidate Molinicos as a “great stage” to visit in the summer calendar of the province of Albacete.
Together with González and Ballesteros, and on behalf of President Cabañero, the Vice President reiterated the Provincial Council’s commitment to Molinicos and to this festival to continue making the best rural development policy out of leveraging the potential of local resources.
