Concerts Del Pinar

In its fifth edition, Concerts del Pinar delivered a powerful and unexpectedly emotional weekend in the pine-shaded parklands of El Grau de Castelló. From international punk legends to regional folk icons, the festival curated a lineup that felt both rebellious and rooted — a testament to the growing reputation of this seaside gathering as a truly eclectic and culturally rich event.

The festival kicked off with a punch on Friday evening, as the forest filled with the stomping rhythms of ska veterans Dr. Calypso, the punk swagger of Boqueronians, rising noise-rockers Nube Naranja and the blistering sound of Strawberry Hardcore.. Local heroes Killus brought an industrial edge to the night, setting the stage for one of the standout acts: Biznaga, whose snarling guitars and politically-charged lyrics electrified the crowd. It was a fiery opening that captured the festival’s core spirit: raw, unfiltered, and fiercely independent.

Saturday saw the festival reach its peak. The daytime buzz built up with gritty performances from Sex Museum, the fiery KOP, and local prog-rockers Dry River, each act giving the audience something to sweat to under the shade. But all eyes were on the night’s headliners — Dead Kennedys, who played Castellón for the first time and didn’t disappoint. Their midnight set was a barrage of old-school punk fury, with classics like Holiday in Cambodia and California Über - turning the Pinar into a mosh pit of joyous chaos. The crowd—an intergenerational mix of punks, indie kids, and curious locals—ate it up.

After two days of distortion and adrenaline, Sunday offered a welcome change of pace. Under the banner of Projecte Cànter, the festival shifted focus to Valencian folk music as a tribute to artists affected by last year’s floods. The lineup—featuring legendary singers like Pep Gimeno “Botifarra”, Miquel Gil, and Dani Miquel—was intimate, emotional, and powerful. Families danced to the rhythms of Urbàlia Rurana, and theatre from Rodamons Teatre added a community touch. It was a beautiful, grounding end to a festival that knows how to rage on Friday and reflect on Sunday.

Concerts del Pinar isn’t just a music festival—it’s a full sensory experience. Food trucks offered gourmet and local fare, eco-conscious practices like reusable cups were embraced, and shaded picnic areas gave space to recharge. The location—just steps from the Mediterranean—added a unique calm to the intensity of the music. The crowd was friendly, inclusive, and refreshingly diverse.

With its bold programming and authentic atmosphere, Concerts del Pinar 2025 cemented its place as one of the most unique boutique festivals in Spain. It’s where punk legends, indie innovators, and folk traditionalists share the same stage—often on the same day. Above all, it’s a celebration of music, land, and people.

In its fifth edition, Concerts del Pinar delivered a powerful and unexpectedly emotional weekend in the pine-shaded parklands of El Grau de Castelló. From international punk legends to regional folk icons, the festival curated a lineup that felt both rebellious and rooted — a testament to the growing reputation of this seaside gathering as a truly eclectic and culturally rich event.

For more information on thus mighty festival: Concerts Del Pinar

Words and photos: Rhyan Paul