Las Palmas to Host Womex 2026 Global Music Event
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will host Womex 2026, the world's leading professional event for global music, from October 21-25, aiming to significantly boost the region's cultural and economic standing.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has been chosen to host Womex 2026, the world's leading professional event for global music. This is a significant step for the Canary Islands, boosting its cultural standing and economy.
To kick off planning, a team from Womex International, led by director Alexander Walter, visited Gran Canaria's capital last Wednesday. They met with local teams and staff at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium. This meeting officially starts the preparations for the event, which will run from October 21 to 25, 2026. The goal is to establish the region as a key player in major cultural events worldwide.
Womex GC 2026 is being organized by Piranha Arts, with production handled by Quintans Events SL, Salán Producciones, and Santi Gutiérrez. It also has the backing of the regional government, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, and the Las Palmas City Council's Tourism department. The program promises a packed schedule, including around 60 live concerts featuring nearly 300 artists. There will also be a series of conferences with over 90 speakers from 48 different countries, alongside film screenings.
A major focus of the event is its positive impact on the economy and tourism. Organizers expect more than 2,500 professionals to attend, with 90% coming from over a hundred countries. Producer Antón Martínez noted that these attendees are likely to stay for five to seven days. This extended stay is expected to significantly increase hotel bookings and bring substantial economic benefits to the tourism sector and related businesses.
Womex also serves as an important platform for both new and established musical talent. Artists and groups from around the world, including the Canary Islands, are invited to apply. An international committee will select the acts for the showcases. They will prioritize projects that are well-known in their home regions but haven't yet gained much international exposure. During Wednesday's visit, a partnership was also formalized with the Sonora Festival. This agreement will give Sonora Festival finalists a direct path into the professional music scene through the "Sonora Passport," offering them a chance to perform at Womex GC 2026.