Dansa Metropolitana 2026: a festival that transforms spaces and minds

The streets of Barcelona and its surroundings are filled with life and art with the arrival of the ninth edition of the Dansa Metropolitana festival. From March 5 to 22, this event promises to captivate everyone with a display of creativity and freedom. It’s not just another dance festival; it’s a celebration of movement and diversity that breaks down barriers and takes over the public space.

9th edition of the Dansa Metropolitana festival

A celebration of dance on multiple stages

With 177 performances and 90 shows, Dansa Metropolitana takes over theaters, streets and unique spaces in 12 municipalities, including Badalona, Barcelona, Cornellà and many more. It is a festival that leaves no corner without music or dance. Since its inception in 2018, it has become a European benchmark for its unique organizational model and its commitment to inclusion.

Vive Montjuïc 2025: a cultural explosion in Barcelona

The inaugural event will take place in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat with the show “Elles”, an original work that promises to move and reflect issues of current relevance. And to close with a flourish, on February 22nd the Ciutadella Park will witness a vibrant show that will close these weeks of movement and expression in the best possible way.

Free to inhabit public space

The central theme of this edition is the freedom of bodies to inhabit and transform public space. Dance, an art that breaks words and communicates through movement, invites everyone to participate and celebrate the diversity of bodies and forms of expression. It is an open and participatory statement, including both familiar and contemporary corners. The festival thus reinforces its goal of democratizing dance and empowering local art.

In this line, several world premieres stand out, such as that of Poliana Lima and Rocío Molina, as well as the presence of international companies that bring new proposals. Prominent names such as Manuel Liñán, Poyo Rojo and Danish Dance Theatre guarantee quality and variety in the program.

The role of women in dance

In its ninth edition, Dansa Metropolitana emphasizes the importance of women in the artistic scene. Of the 90 shows that will be presented, 47 are of female authorship. This approach not only makes visible the talent of women as creators, but also addresses issues of great relevance, such as old age and vulnerability, often associated with aging female bodies. The show “Elles”, directed by Hansel Cereza, highlights these issues in collaboration with community groups and women’s associations.

From the staging to the speeches addressed in each show, the role of women shines with its own light, thus achieving an inclusive and enriching vision that reinforces the values of the festival.

A dynamic and inclusive future

Dansa Metropolitana not only seeks to entertain, but also bets on a future in which art is a channel for social transformation. Thus, the festival becomes a meeting point for everyone, bringing dance closer to citizens and expanding its audiences. This edition is an open invitation to explore new concepts and create inclusive spaces where every body finds its voice.

In short, the ninth edition of the Dansa Metropolitana festival promises to be an unforgettable event. It is not only danced in theaters, but also in the soul of the cities, transforming every corner into a space of freedom, inclusion and art. Everyone is invited to join this celebration, because, beyond the movements, what truly connects is the desire to express and share.