Rubén Blades Receives Award, Caps Successful Pirineos Sur Festival Weekend

The Pirineos Sur festival in Spain marked a memorable night with the presence of Rubén Blades, who received the Pirineos Sur Award for Cultural Diversity 2026. The award ceremony took place on the floating stage in Lanuza, capping off the festival's second weekend, which attracted 14,000 spectators over four days. This success highlights the festival's position as a premier summer music event in Spain.

Festival organizers reported that attendance has already surpassed 35,000 people, with a third weekend of programming yet to come. Pirineos Sur continues to be a significant cultural hub, bringing together international artists and diverse audiences in a unique natural setting in the Aragonese Pyrenees.

The Panamanian musician, composer, actor, and activist Rubén Blades was the central figure of the evening. He accepted the award from Carlos Samperiz, Culture Deputy of the Huesca Provincial Council, and festival director Amalia Ortiz. The award honors his extensive artistic career and his use of music as a tool for social transformation, intercultural dialogue, and the defense of diversity.

Visibly moved, Blades thanked the audience and shared the credit for his success. "This award is for everyone, because success is never for just one person," he stated. He also took the opportunity to congratulate Spain on its recent World Cup victory, earning a warm response from the crowd. The Pirineos Sur Award for Cultural Diversity, established in 2013, recognizes artists who use music to bridge cultures and promote respect for diverse identities. Past recipients include Paco de Lucía, Lila Downs, and Natalia Lafourcade.

Following the ceremony, Blades delivered a performance with the Roberto Delgado Big Band, a twenty-musician ensemble that has accompanied him since 2010. The concert featured iconic songs from his more than five-decade career, including hits like "Plástico" and "Decisiones."

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This award is for everyone, because success is never for just one person.