19 August 2019
Some shells and a colourful pineapple. So many colours, as many as Aitana wanted to have. She could even say how many she had on her shirt (and face) when she has left Magico Mundo. She doesn’t know it, but she already felt the vibrations of reggae when she was in her mother’s belly. She’s 3 and a half and is really enjoying the festival, literally, it has watched her grow (and vice versa). Her first steps were to the rhythms of Chronixx‘s “Smile Jamaica” and her first concert at the festival was Marcia Griffiths in 2016; this year she will see and watch on the Main Stage once more. Magico Mundo, Rototom Circus and Teen Yard are the areas where kids and teenagers cna enjoy a made to measure programme; workshops, cultural activities, games areas, concerts… Their own Rototom.
Anita has been playing all evening in the workshops at Magico Mundo, which is divided into distinct zones, each with their own themes and activities. From a pool to a mini-beach, wooden games, relaxing areas… She’s learning and, at the same time, getting to know other kids from around the world. She explained with an infinite smile on her face that she also has a rock that her dad painted (adults too never really stop being kids). She’s waiting for her friend, Martí. He also knows (and tours) the festival like the back of his hand; which is normal because his parents are photographers. It can’t be denied, or does someone know what a mermaid’s face really looks like?
It’s already been 26 years festivaling in family. They have shaped a festival where children and families feel truly comfortable. The specific programming of each of our areas makes it possible, for example kids can listen to the stories from the Amazon from indigenous leader Sonia Guajajara under the shade of trees and let yourself go, or the laughter, applause and surprised expressions that can be heard from the Rototom Circus. The motto of this edition, Stand up for Earth, also arrived there in the form of recycling workshops. Not only that, once they set foot in the festival, it’s easy for them to feel comfortable in any other area; the concerts, African Village, Pachamama, the food area, Open-Air Market and even the Artesano Market, which open their programme of workshops for youngsters. There’s also the Teen Yard, a place set up specially for teenagers; a place where it’s possible for a group of teens to crate their own radio show, while others skate on the ramps. There are also workshops on music production, social media, poetry, photography, etc…
Both for its content as well as its continent, we make the festival experience possible. Through its price policy, in that kids under 13 get in for free. Also, families can enjoy the camping area planned especially for them. Aitana has put her ear protectors on so she can revel in the concerts and Martí tours the concert area alongside the batucada. The mini-lion also roars for them.
Asun Pérez (Translated by Finn Darco)