Formentera Jazz Festival 2026

June 4–7

Formentera, 4 June 2026

The Formentera Jazz Festival celebrates its twelfth edition from June 4 to 7 with a program that once again transforms the island into one of the Mediterranean’s leading cultural meeting points. The event brings together internationally acclaimed artists and exciting new acts that are shaping the present of jazz and world music.

The organizers have put together a lineup that combines established legends with emerging talent, reinforcing the identity of a festival that has become one of the most distinctive cultural events in the Balearic Islands. Over four days, Formentera hosts concerts in some of its most iconic venues.

This year’s edition also stands out for the diversity of styles and backgrounds represented by the participating artists. From Africa to Europe and the Middle East, the program offers a journey through different musical traditions reinterpreted through the language of contemporary jazz.

In addition, the festival arrives backed by the recognition it recently received as Best Tourism Experience 2025 from the Government of the Balearic Islands, an award that highlights its ability to combine culture, sustainability, and the promotion of high-quality tourism.

International Talent Lineup

The headline attraction of this year’s program is Richard Bona, widely regarded as one of the most influential bassists and vocalists in contemporary music. Internationally known as “The African Sting,” the Cameroonian musician comes to Formentera following a career that includes collaborations with figures such as Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Pat Metheny.
His presence makes this edition an exceptional opportunity to experience one of the world’s leading jazz artists in a setting as unique as the island of Formentera.

Also featured is Momi Maiga, one of the most exciting emerging figures on the international music scene. The Senegalese kora virtuoso presents Kairo (“Peace”), a project that blends jazz, flamenco, and European classical music alongside Aleix Tobias, Marçal Ayats, and Carlos Montfort. His career continues to gain momentum following major international performances and collaborations with artists such as Jordi Savall and Sílvia Pérez Cruz.

Muriel Grossmann y Elana Sasson

Austrian saxophonist Muriel Grossmann will perform at the Formentera Jazz Festival for the first time. Renowned for her contribution to contemporary spiritual jazz, she arrives following the release of Devotion on the Third Man Records label and will present, together with her quartet, a performance defined by intensity, improvisation, and emotional depth.

Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Elana Sasson comes to the island following the success of her album Between In (2025). Her music blends Persian poetry, traditional Kurdish rhythms, and contemporary jazz harmonies, creating a performance that explores themes of identity, belonging, and cultural exchange.

Balearic Jazz

The festival program also gives a prominent place to local talent with the participation of the Garcias-Fuster-Vaquer Quartet. The group brings together Toni Vaquer, Enric Fuster, and brothers Joan and Tomeu Garcia, musicians with extensive experience in both the Balearic and Barcelona music scenes.
Their project is built around original compositions and the musical chemistry developed through years of working together, offering a contemporary vision of jazz from a personal and distinctive perspective.

Also appearing on the lineup is the duo formed by flautist and vocalist María Gil and double bassist Dee Jay Foster. Together, they present a performance centered on improvisation, attentive listening, and expressive sensitivity. Gil will perform compositions from her album Veye (2024), while Foster contributes the experience gained from working alongside some of the most respected names in international jazz.

Iconic Venues

One of the festival’s defining characteristics continues to be the integration of music and landscape. The opening day takes place at the iconic Blue Bar, located beside the dunes of Migjorn Beach, a historic venue closely linked to the festival’s story.
Sant Francesc Square once again becomes the heart of the festival, hosting the main open-air concerts in an atmosphere that brings together residents and visitors alike.
The festival concludes at Ses Roques, where the traditional closing jam session takes place. This gathering allows guest artists and local musicians to share the stage in a spontaneous performance that has become one of the festival’s defining hallmarks.