There haven’t been any performances on the Main Stage yet, but the groups who will be performing later tonight are currently finishing their sound checks. The first place to come to life with the sounds and rhythm of reggae muisc will be the  Roots Yard  and the  Clubs, which will welcome the early-birds to the festival (of which I would imagine there will be plenty).

During the first two hours of the afternoon there are two areas that really stand out: the sought after shade which affords our warriors a well-deserved rest and the MagicoMundo area. This area, which is especially designed with families and young children in mind, will have many more activities this year which, for the first time, will be split across seperate areas. There will be refreshing swimming pools for the children to enjoy, a sand pit, wooden games and painting…..But wait, what is that in the sky? It’s the giant bubbles drifting out of Magico Mundo, which this year, is even more magical than ever!

Very nearby, under the ample shade provided by one of the most impressive strucutures you will encounter this year is: the PachaMama area, where Mother Earth is the focal point of everything that happens there. In PachaMama there is a full program of meditation, allowing you the time and space to reflect and remember that we have to respect and care for our planet. Barefoot, in direct contact with the earth and sky, clear of mind, you can find your inner peace in this perfect environment for meditation.

Stepping away from this place of tranquility, the air is alive with a powerful force. It is the noise of the drums of the African Village.The Hermanos Thioune are back for another year to immerse you in the spirit of Africa. The truth is, the festivities at the African Village could not begin in any way other than to the rhythm of African percussion. And what will these festivities involve? Dance and percussion workshops, conferences, concerts and the fantastic African disco. Nearby you will find the artists who are starting to make the pieces which will feature in the Simposio Artístico, and who will continue to do so throughout the festival. It is interesting to spend some time here to see and gain a better understanding of how each one of the artists has their own artistic interpretation of Reggae for freedom.

There is much more happening on the first day of Rototom Sunsplash. Whilst the Social Forum will not open their doors until Sunday the 14^th, the Reggae University have already started to hold their meetings, the Rototom Circus are preparing for their performances, which will bring colour and magic to the first day of the festival and the Mercado Artesano and mercadillo have already welcomed their first customers. There is no way you could miss the incredible aromas of the food zone, which has such incredible variety that it is possible to take a gastronomic tour of the world, sampling traditional dishes.

This is Rototom Sunsplash. A new world. And the best thing is, we are here together for eight incredible days.

Asun Perez