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Almería Western Film Festival 2025: Honoring Charo López, Roque Baños and More

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

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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:

  • Exhibition: “15 Years of Almería Western Film Festival” – a visual journey through its history.
  • Workshops & Masterclasses: with designer Javier Navarrete, cinematographer Álvaro Medina, and filmmaker Álex Galán.
  • Roundtables: discussing topics such as Tabernas Desert as cinematic heritage and 60 years of *For a Few Dollars More*.
  • Competitions: from western costume contests to shop window decoration and the traditional Tapa Route.
  • Live Music & Performances: concerts by The Gold Diggers and Castor Head, magic shows, and theatre productions.
  • 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.

    Events

    Sunwaves Festival – Dates, Line-Up, Tickets & How to Go in 2025

    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.

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    Activities & Attractions

    Things to do in Almería in September 2025 – Festivals, Sports and Culture

    Published September 2, 2025 | Category: Events

    TL;DR: September 2025 in Almería offers something for everyone – from the Feria de Antas and Virgen de la Cabeza festivities to electronic music, sports, exhibitions and cultural day trips. A month full of tradition, music and Mediterranean energy.

    Things to Do in Almería in September 2025

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    Why visit Almería in September?

    Almería in September 2025 is a sweet spot between the heat of high summer and the cooler months of autumn. The Mediterranean climate remains warm, but with milder evenings perfect for festivals and outdoor events. Tourists have thinned out compared to August, yet the cultural calendar is full of highlights. From traditional fairs to international conferences, Almería in September offers an eclectic mix of experiences for locals and visitors alike.

    Feria de Antas and Virgen de la Cabeza

    One of the most important September events is the Feria de Antas 2025, celebrated from September 4–8. The feria is closely tied to the Fiestas in honor of the Virgen de la Cabeza, the town’s patron saint. The celebrations begin with the Romería on August 31, when the Virgin is carried in procession with flowers, music and decorated carriages.

    During the feria itself, Antas comes alive with open-air dances, concerts, parades, gastronomy stalls and fireworks. Families gather for traditional meals, children enjoy rides and games, and locals celebrate their devotion with solemn masses followed by festive evenings. It is a unique blend of faith and festivity that makes Antas a must-visit in early September.

    Sunwaves Festival

    From September 4–8, electronic music lovers can enjoy the Sunwaves Festival, returning to Almería with a beachside setting. International DJs perform extended sets across two stages, accompanied by chill-out areas and Mediterranean vibes. For those looking to dance under the stars with palm trees and sea breezes, Sunwaves is one of the month’s most vibrant attractions.

    Sports and adventure

    September is also active on the sports calendar:

    • 3×3 Basketball Finals – On September 6, La Venta del Viso in La Mojonera hosts the final stage of the Provincial 3×3 “Costa de Almería” Tournament. It’s a festive, family-friendly event that celebrates community and competition.
    • Cantoria Bike Xperience – On September 20, adventure seekers gather in Cantoria for a 40 km mountain bike route through the Almanzora Valley. With challenging climbs and rewarding views, it is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

    Both events showcase the active side of Almería, inviting visitors to experience the province’s landscapes and community spirit in a dynamic way.

    Exhibitions and culture

    For those with a cultural appetite, Almería hosts several noteworthy events this September:

    • “Leyendas Olímpicas” Exhibition – Running until September 21 at the Andalusí Archaeological Site in Almería city, this exhibition presents a collection of Olympic torches, memorabilia and athlete history from 1968 to Paris 2024. (Source)
    • EBPS Biennial Meeting – From September 17–20, the European Behavioural Pharmacology Society hosts its 21st Biennial Meeting in Almería, attracting international researchers. (Source)
    • SolarPACES Conference – From September 23–26, the global solar energy community gathers in Almería for the SolarPACES International Conference, underscoring the province’s role in renewable energy innovation. (Source)

    Classic day trips and attractions

    Beyond festivals and events, Almería in September 2025 is the perfect time for classic sightseeing:

    • Alcazaba of Almería – The Moorish fortress with breathtaking views over the city and sea.
    • Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park – Famous for pristine beaches, volcanic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, best visited outside the summer crowds.
    • Almería Cathedral and Old Town – A combination of late-Gothic and Renaissance architecture, surrounded by lively streets full of tapas bars.

    These destinations highlight the natural and cultural treasures that make Almería unique, and September’s weather is ideal for exploring them without the intense summer heat.

    Almería in September 2025

    From the devotion of the Virgen de la Cabeza to the vibrant energy of the Feria de Antas 2025, from electronic beats at Sunwaves to the scholarly focus of international conferences, Almería in September 2025 offers a rich and varied calendar. Whether your interests are music, tradition, sports, science or simply enjoying Andalusia’s landscapes, September is the month when the province truly comes alive.

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

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