One love, one heart, one family. Exactly one huge heart was made up of festival goers at Rototom Sunsplash in front of the Main Stage. The green, yellow and red and the iconic lion of the festival took over the Main Stage over which appeared a drawing of a giant heart. The flags of the public waves to the rhythm of Borumbia Percusión and the 120 musicians that made up the final giant batucada parade.

The batucada gathered in Bob Marley square. It was joined by festival goers, who made a big lap of the festival area, passing by the Social Forum, African Village and MagicoMundo. Every year, they lead the closing ceremony at the Main Stage, although this time the last lap has a bigger significance; the heart of Rototom.

A heart that now and forever has shaped the public at Rototom, the true engine of the festival. The reason is these 25 years of the history and soul of reggae. An engine that emits peace, love and tolerance. After the seven days, Rototom 2018 gets ready to say goodbye to an edition that will stay etched in our memory. An edition that shows once more that Rototom is much more than a music festival, it’s an encounter between cultures and a worldwide crowd though Jamaican music.

Over these das, we’ve got to know new forms of relating to what life is in the Social Forum, laughing and getting emotional, as well as the history of Jamaican music in the Reggae University. We also got to learn more about the richness of African culture, through its colours and rhythms in the African Village. We have found a place of connection in Pachamama, surrounded by the Social Art Gallery, right next door to the smiling kids in MagicoMundo, who have explored new forms of identity and who were also impressed by RototomCircus. Also the gastronomic area, taking us on a journey around the world through our palates and the labyrinth of the open air market. The music played out, because the lion of Rototom also roars on the stages.

Rototom closes its 25th edition doing what it knows best; walking together with people who give life. One love, one heart, one family. Keep on beating for many more years, Rototom Sunsplash.

Written by Asun Pérez. Translated by Finn Darco