First artist confirmed for the San Sebastián festivities 2026
Crystal Fighters will perform a free concert on January 16th in Plaza de Espanya, in the first major concert of the celebrations for Palma's patron saint.
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PalmCrystal Fighters will be one of the big international names in the San Sebastián 2026 festival's music program. The Anglo-Spanish indie rock and electronic music band will offer a free concert on January 16th in Plaça d'Espanya, kicking off this year's calendar of major performances.
The Palma City Council has confirmed that the group will headline one of the main concerts in the program, in an edition where the council will once again focus on a diverse musical offering with international appeal. The rest of the artists completing the lineup will be announced gradually over the coming weeks.
Crystal Fighters' presence reinforces the approach begun last year with the inclusion of the concert as a key part of the festival, a formula with which the City Council sought to broaden the variety of styles and artistic profiles of the festivities. With a career that has made them regulars at major European festivals, the group is known for songs such as You and I either Love Is All I Glass and for a unique style that fuses electronic and British pop with traditional Basque folk.
Formed between London and Navarre in 2007, Crystal Fighters has built a musical style that incorporates instruments such as the chalaparta or the txistu With synthesizers, guitars, and percussion, a combination that has positioned them as one of the leading acts in the alternative scene of the last fifteen years. Beyond their discography, the group stands out for the intensity and energy of their live performances, with a stage presence designed to generate a direct connection with the audience.
The San Sebastián 2026 festivities will begin on January 10th with the traditional opening speech and continue on January 11th with San Sebastián Petit, dedicated to children. On January 16th, Crystal Fighters will perform in Plaza de España, while on January 17th, the traditional Horabases (street parties) will take place.
The San Sebastián street party will be held on January 19th, with musical performances spread across various squares and spaces throughout the city, and the cycle of activities will conclude on January 24th with the traditional correfoc (fire run). Cort emphasizes that this year's program aims to strengthen the city's cultural offerings and is part of Palma's bid to become European Capital of Culture 2031.