The city of Elda, Spain, is preparing to host its third Semana Cultural (Cultural Week) from February 23rd to 27th, 2026, with a program designed to re-establish the city as a cultural hub. The event, organized by the Casino Eldense, will feature a diverse lineup of music, theater, and discussions, culminating in a performance by artists Fran Vlanco and César Ortiz.
This year’s Semana Cultural carries the theme “La cultura suena en nosotros” (“Culture Sounds Within Us”), reflecting the event’s aim to highlight the importance of cultural engagement within the community. The opening night, February 23rd, will showcase the Cuarteto Fran Asensi, a local ensemble comprised of piano, two violins, and a cello, performing a repertoire spanning from Baroque compositions to scores from film and musical theater, including works by Pachelbel, Mozart, Bach, Bizet, and Verdi.
A key draw for the event is the participation of Rosa María Calaf, a veteran correspondent for Televisión Española. On February 24th, Calaf will deliver a talk titled ‘La edad no es más que un número: edadismo y envejecimiento activo’ (“Age is Just a Number: Ageism and Active Aging”), focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated with aging and continued societal participation.
The program also includes a performance by Elda native actress Natalia Bravo on February 25th, presenting her original comedy, ‘Sin vino no hay amor’ (“No Love Without Wine”), inspired by ancient texts and the writings of Dorothy Parker.
Journalist Pedro Piqueras, a prominent figure in Spanish television news and an Ondas Award recipient, will participate on February 26th, sharing insights from his career and personal experiences. The Semana Cultural will conclude on February 27th with a reunion performance by Fran Vlanco and César Ortiz, who have not performed together in nearly a decade, offering an intimate blend of music and poetry.
The Casino Eldense, a century-old institution, has been working to revitalize its activities following a period of difficulty during the pandemic. The Semana Cultural is presented as a key component of this renewed effort, aiming to combine local talent with nationally recognized figures. The event will begin each evening at 8:00 PM.
