For many tourists, both nationally and internationally, Castellón represents the Mecca in summer music festivals. This year 2018, the 50th anniversary of the Federació de Societats Musicals de la Region of Valencia (FSMCV) is celebrated and, according to the words of its president Pedro Rodríguez, the time has come to break a record.

Yes, a Guinness record, achieving the most significant musical convention on the planet. According to the calculation of the province, this federation has 547 musical groups that have prominence in 95% of the municipalities that have more than 500 inhabitants. So the cultural and musical wealth that Castellón has is vast and diverse.

In this article you will learn about some of the events that have the most impact in the province of Castellón:

FIB

Celebrated annually in Benicàssim, the first edition of this event dates back to the year 1995. Undoubtedly the FIB put Castellón in the global epicentre of the festivals, proof of this is its evolution. In 2017 the festival counted with bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jesus and Mary Chain, Peter Doherty, as well as Indie and pop-rock bands. Electronic music has made its mark in the festival and also Spanish independent artists such as Love of Lesbian, Los Planetas, and Joe Crepúsculo.

Arenal Sound

The date announced for the start of this festival in 2018 is the 31st of July. It is one of the events that take place in the municipality of Borriana. In 2016 it was attended by 300,000 people. The tickets and for Arenal Sound, despite its large capacity, tend to sell very quickly.

During the first edition of Arenal Sound, which dates back to 2010, bands such as The Cranberries, Macaco, El Tío de la Careta and Miguel Bosé played a leading role. Some of the frequent artists at Arenal Sound are Iván Ferreiro, El Columpio Asesino, and Zahara.

Rototom Sunsplash

In 2018 it will take place between the 16th and the 22nd of August. The Rototom Sunsplash represents one of the oldest reggae festivals in Spain, dating back to 1994. It is also recognised for being held in Benicàssim. In 2017, artists such as The Wailers, Toots & The Maytals, and Alpha Blondy were invited. In 2011, the event counted with an influx of 235,000 people from more than 100 countries.

Arrankapins Festival

This is another significant festival of the province of Castellón. It is celebrated in the municipality of Peñíscola. In 2018 the event takes place from the 21st until the 23rd of July 21. The bands that will open the festival on Friday, the 21st of July 21 are The Saltitos, Ruth Baker Band, Julián Maeso, and Los Coronas.

The Arrankapins Festival is a show complemented by circus exhibitions, storytelling, and gastronomic fair.

Music Port Fest

In 2018, the Music Port Fest will take place on the 6th and 7th of July in the Port of Sagunto. On this occasion, the festival will count on more than 30 artists. Some of the artists invited for this occasion are Kase.o, Sara Hebe, El Kanka and Ángel Stanich, among others.

The event not only consists of concerts but also counts on the so-called leisure areas, where it is possible to assess the visual arts and gastronomy of the region.

Iboga Summer Festival

The Iboga Summer Festival will be held from the 25th until the 29th of July. A festival where different musical groups are invited, which usually interpret ska, swing, Balkan, gipsy, or electro-swing songs. This year the festival celebrates its sixth edition, and tickets are at about 39 euros.

Some of the invited bands are The Skatalites, La P'tite Fumée, The Bomo Swing, Balkan Bomba, and Swingrowers.