The music event, celebrating its 31st edition, brought together 169,000 people for a week in Benicàssim. Attendees, hailing from almost a hundred countries, enjoyed not only music but also cultural activities and social and environmental awareness initiatives.
Festival director Filippo Giunta reviewed the event, emphasizing that amidst a complex economic climate for live music in Europe, Rototom has confirmed "the unconditional loyalty of its audience." The overall participation, including a welcome party, averaged over 26,000 daily attendees, with a notable presence of children under 13 and adults over 65.
The festival welcomed visitors from all continents, with a strong contingent from Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom, alongside attendees from countries like Kenya, South Korea, and Venezuela, showcasing its international reach.
Critical thinking and social and environmental activism were central themes. The Rototom Social Forum, organized by the Exodus Foundation, saw over 1,100 participants in its debates, addressing issues such as the climate emergency with activist Vandana Shiva, the housing crisis, and combating racist language with collectives like 'Top Manta' or 'Afrodiccionario'.
In terms of sustainability, the festival installed 54 potable water points, preventing the emission of approximately 300 tons of CO₂, according to the organization. A novel solar battery system was also implemented to reduce diesel consumption, and the venue was adapted as a climate refuge with adjusted hours to avoid peak heat, which was well-received by attendees.
The gastronomic offering presented an international culinary journey with dishes from Senegal, Argentina, Japan, India, and Jamaica, including vegetarian, vegan, and local (km0) options.
Artistically, the festival demonstrated its capacity to evolve towards dancehall while maintaining a dialogue with pure 'roots' and pioneering sounds. Filippo Giunta noted that the lineup was "innovative" to reach a broader audience, without forgetting its reggae roots. Rototom Sunsplash confirmed its return to Benicàssim for August 2027.
