This celebration is a tribute to the sailors of Torrevieja (Alicante province), who travelled to trade with Cuba, bringing these popular melodies back with them.

The Torrevieja International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition is the most outstanding event of its type in Spain. This village on the shores of the Mediterranean has been hosting the competition since 1955. Its gentle songs serve as a point of encounter for people from many different countries.

The festival is held in the “Eras de la Sal” (old salt deposits) and features the best choral groups in the genre from all over the world. As a prelude to the July event, there is usually a Children’s and Youth Habaneras Competition in May, where competing groups are obliged to perform a specific piece.