Published September 16, 2025 | Category: Events

TL;DR: The 15th Almería Western Film Festival (AWFF) takes place from October 8–12, 2025 in Tabernas. This year honors Charo López, Roque Baños and John Maclean, while presenting a rich program of films, activities, and cultural events.

The Almería Western Film Festival 2025

Table of Contents

• Festival Overview
• Special Honorees 2025
• Official Selection and Screenings
• Parallel Activities and Workshops
• Cultural and Tourism Impact

Festival Overview

The Almería Western Film Festival 2025 (AWFF), the only European festival dedicated exclusively to the western genre, will take place from October 8 to 12, 2025 in Tabernas and the iconic film sets of MiniHollywood Oasys and Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood. Over the years, AWFF has become the most prestigious western film event in Europe, attracting directors, actors, musicians, and cinema lovers from around the globe.

Special Honorees 2025

This edition places special emphasis on landscape and community as narrative and iconographic elements, offering a fresh perspective on deserts, frontiers, and the spirit of the West. To highlight this vision, several Honorary Awards will be granted:

• Premio Tabernas de Cine – awarded to Spanish actress Charo López, a key figure in classic western films shot in Almería.
• Premio Leone in Memoriam – dedicated to Italian actor Gian Maria Volonté, remembered for his roles in films such as *For a Few Dollars More*.
• Premio Spirit of the West – to Scottish filmmaker John Maclean, who revitalized the genre with a contemporary vision.
• Premio Desierto de Tabernas – honoring Spanish composer Roque Baños for his musical contributions to films shot in Almería.
• Premio a la Difusión del Género Wéstern – recognizing Italian historian Carlo Gaberscek for his research and promotion of the western legacy.

Official Selection and Screenings

For the first time, the Official Feature Film Selection will include ten international titles, reflecting the vitality of the genre worldwide. Highlights include:

• The Ecstasy of Gold. The Treasure of Jesse James (USA–Italy, 2025), directed by Federico Alotto – opening film.
• Adiós al amigo (Colombia, 2024) and El vaquero (Colombia, 2025), both featured in the “Latin Frontiers” section.
• The War Between (USA, 2025) by Deborah Correa, and Eastern Western (USA, 2025) by the Grozdanova sisters.
• Sirat (Spain, 2025) by Oliver Laxe, winner of the Cannes Jury Prize.
• Tokyo Cowboy (USA–Japan, 2024) and Mash Ville (South Korea, 2025), showcasing Asian western cinema.

Special screenings outside the competition include Dead Souls by Alex Cox and the closing film Tornado (UK, 2025), directed by John Maclean, blending western themes with samurai cinema.

The festival will also feature 27 short films, divided across international, Andalusian, and “Made in Almería” sections, plus a documentary focus under the “Panorama” program.

Parallel Activities and Workshops

AWFF is not only about screenings but also about cultural immersion. The program includes:

Cultural and Tourism Impact

The festival strengthens Almería’s position as a hub for film tourism and cultural heritage. By showcasing international cinema alongside the unique landscapes of Tabernas, AWFF reinforces its role as a reference point for both locals and global visitors.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Events category.

Published September 3, 2025 | Category: Travel Tips

TL;DR: Sunwaves Festival 2025 takes over Roquetas de Mar from September 4–8 with marathon minimal, techno and house sets by the Mediterranean. Find dates, venue, first-wave line-up, ticket options and the new SW Bus Pass below.

Sunwaves Festival Almería 2025 – Your complete guide

If you love long, immersive DJ sets by the sea, Sunwaves Festival Almería 2025 is back from 4–8 September in Roquetas de Mar. This guide covers the essentials: dates, location, line-up highlights, ticket options, the new SW Bus Pass for easy transport, and practical tips. For ongoing event updates across the province, check our Latest News page.

Dates & location

Sunwaves returns to Spain for its second Almería edition from Thursday 4 September to Monday 8 September 2025. The venue is the coastal area known as Salinas de San Rafael (Abandonadas) in Roquetas de Mar, set by the Mediterranean with wide sandy stretches and open skies — a perfect match for sunrise and sunset sessions.

Official info and on-site details: Sunwaves SW36 – Official page.

What to expect: the Sunwaves format

Sunwaves is built around the music first: extended sets, precision sound, and a minimalist stage aesthetic that keeps the focus on the groove. Expect two stages running across the weekend, with a chill area to decompress between sessions. The vibe is intimate yet international — dancers travel from across Europe for these marathon sequences.

Line-up highlights

The first wave for 2025 in Almería features established names and scene favorites, including Dubfire, East End Dubs, Franky Rizardo, Margaret Dygas, Raresh, Sonja Moonear, Priku, Cap, Dan Andrei, Andrei Ciubuc, Joey Daniel, Mahony, Mason Collective, Melanie Ribbe, Ilario Alicante, Alexis Cabrera, Gescu and more to be announced. Check the official page and socials for the full timetable and final updates.

Tickets & access

You’ll typically find several options:

• Festival Pass (multi-day access)
• Backstage / table options (limited availability)
• Day tickets (if released for specific days)

Availability can change close to the event, so purchase via the official link: Buy tickets – Sunwaves SW36.

Local note: Roquetas de Mar City Council has confirmed the festival weekend in the Las Salinas area. For community notices or practical municipal info, see the official Roquetas de Mar announcement.

Getting there & SW Bus Pass

By car: Roquetas de Mar is around 25–30 minutes from Almería city by road, depending on traffic. Follow local signage to Las Salinas and event directions as you approach the venue.

SW Bus Pass: Sunwaves operates a festival shuttle connecting Roquetas de Mar / Aguadulce with the site. Options generally include a festival-long pass and single rides. Expect night services to the venue and morning returns. Exact stops, hours and booking are published via Sunwaves’ official channels closer to showtime.

Local tips to plan your trip

• Stay nearby: If you want minimal transfer time, base yourself in Roquetas de Mar or Aguadulce.
• Beach-ready footwear: Parts of the site sit on sand — pack trainers you don’t mind getting sandy.
• Sun & hydration: Early afternoons can still be hot in September. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
• Cashless & ID: Bring a valid ID and a charged card; check on-site payment methods via the official page before you go.
• Plan your exits: If you’re not using the shuttle, arrange a reliable ride home, especially after sunrise sets.

FAQ

When is Sunwaves Festival Almería 2025?
From Thursday 4 September through Monday 8 September 2025.

Where is it held?
In the Las Salinas area of Roquetas de Mar, specifically at Salinas de San Rafael (Abandonadas), right by the Mediterranean.

How do I get tickets?
Buy only via official sales linked from the Sunwaves website: SW36 official page.

Is there a shuttle?
Yes — the SW Bus Pass runs between town and the venue, with night services to the site and morning returns. Check Sunwaves’ channels for exact timetables.

Planning a longer stay around the festival? Explore the town, beaches and dining in Roquetas de Mar, and keep an eye on our Latest News for event updates across the province.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Latest News or browse the Events category.