In its 31st edition, from August 16 to 22 in Benicasim (Castellón), the Rototom Sunsplash festival will strengthen an extra-musical agenda focused on holistic health. The goal is to nod to its 2026 motto, becoming that ‘place to be. healthy’ for those seeking an alternative cultural and travel plan where personal well-being is guaranteed.
Under the philosophy of being the festival that “cares for you inside and out”—as highlighted by the organizers—the event establishes its Pachamama area as the epicenter of a daily program that blends physical activity, self-care, agroecology, and active sustainability, extending throughout the venue.
The Pachamama space “unfolds a narrative proposal that invites the audience to reconnect with the earth and their own bodies,” explained the area’s organizers. Far from being a mere calendar of activities, it offers a journey starting from the roots, with practical water purification workshops led by Oxfam Intermón, local product tastings, seed extraction with groups like Llavors d’Ací, or the recovery of edible wild plants with Gastrobotánicas, culminating in personal exploration through movement.
All this ecology for daily life in workshop format will flow every afternoon into the festival’s natural therapy sessions, where professionals will guide attendees through various disciplines ranging from the dreamlike connection of ‘Synchronicity’ with Laia Molina to the acroyoga balance proposed by David Barreto and Laura Beltrán.
Throughout the week, conscious dance by Juana Varela and Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga sessions guided by César Caldera will set the stage for the grand finale on Saturday the 22nd: the ‘One Love, One Heart’ closing ceremony, a massive singing and movement session coordinated by Biodanza Valencia along with Víctor Barrera and Mònica Guitart.
Holistic experience
“We see the festival as a holistic experience where rest, body care, and respect for the planet are as important as the music on the stages,” stated Rototom Sunsplash. “Pachamama is designed to offer a haven of calm and learning, allowing people of all ages to experience in a practical way what it means to live in harmony with oneself and the environment,” the same sources emphasized.
Protecting the public from summer temperatures translates into direct measures within the venue. Rototom will strengthen its extra-musical cultural areas as climate shelters. This is the case for the aforementioned Pachamama, which, in collaboration with the Benicasim city council, is debuting a hexagonal flower-shaped structure with six petals to provide shade for the most popular activities, such as yoga or natural therapy sessions, dances, workshops, and talks.
The traditional dome that previously accompanied this space will be relocated to the Teen Yard youth area to shelter various workshops from the heat. Magicomundo, under the venue’s pine grove, and Jamkunda, with its tensile structure made of colorful Lycra coated with UV sun protection, complete this tour of cultural spaces adapted to dodge the heat.
Additionally, the festival will guarantee a supply of fresh water, completely free inside the campsite with Tuawa machines. Inside the venue, there will be a public fountain at the entrance, and affordable prices at the bars, where a half-liter glass can be purchased for one euro.
Gastronomic offering
At the same time, the philosophy of care will be brought to the table through a varied outdoor gastronomic offering featuring 25 international establishments. This edition’s menu once again prioritizes the slow food movement and healthy eating through vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, ensuring inclusive coverage that views food “as a tool for community health,” the organization noted.
The event’s commitment to “caring for you on the outside” transcends the boundaries of the concert venue and takes shape in its merchandising line. Throughout the year, the festival offers a collection of clothing and accessories inspired by reggae culture and produced under “strict certified ethical standards,” Rototom Store indicated. All garments are made from sustainable materials, reaffirming the festival’s belief that “the best way to defend values is to apply them to daily consumption and clothing.”
The Rototom market is another space where the cultural event’s commitment to ethical fashion and independent design takes shape, with offerings such as designer tailoring and other artisanal creations. It also brings together a wide range of well-being products, including natural cosmetics, aromatherapy, handmade incense, and healthy food products in line with the values promoted by the festival.
