WOMAD Cáceres

WOMAD, short for World of Music, Arts & Dance, was founded in 1980 by British musician Peter Gabriel together with a group of friends and collaborators who wanted to celebrate global music and culture without boundaries. The very first festival took place in Somerset, England, in 1982. Caceres has hosted its own WOMAD edition every year since 1992, making it one of the longest-running WOMAD locations outside the United Kingdom and one of only two permanent Spanish venues for the festival, the other being Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Unlike most large music festivals, WOMAD Caceres unfolds entirely within the medieval streets, squares, and palaces of the city's UNESCO-listed old town, giving the event a uniquely intimate, historic backdrop rarely found elsewhere in the WOMAD network.

For four days, usually the second weekend of May, Caceres becomes an open-air stage for musicians and performers from dozens of countries. Concerts and performances take place across some of the city's most iconic monumental spaces, including the Palacio de Carvajal, Plaza de San Jorge, Plaza de Santa Maria, Plaza de San Pablo, Las Veletas, and the Foro de los Balbos, with the largest crowds gathering for the headline shows in Plaza Mayor. Beyond the music, the festival features a global craft and food market, workshops for both children and adults, film screenings, literary events, and street parades, all included free of charge, making it one of the most accessible major festivals in Spain.

Caceres sits in the Extremadura region of western Spain, roughly three to four hours from Madrid. Renfe operates regular train services, including Alvia and Media Distancia trains, connecting Madrid, Sevilla, and other cities directly to Caceres' train station, from which the historic centre is a short taxi or bus ride away. Long-distance coaches also link Caceres to major Spanish cities. Travellers arriving by car can reach the city via the A-66 and A-58 motorways; note that the old town itself is pedestrianised, so parking is best found in the modern part of the city.

Because WOMAD Caceres is free and extremely popular, book accommodation well in advance, especially anything within walking distance of the old town. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, as the medieval streets are cobbled and hilly. Evenings in May can turn cool, so bring a light jacket even if the days are warm. Arrive early to the smaller plazas if you want a good spot for a specific act, and leave time between concerts to sample Extremaduran tapas at the bars surrounding the venues.