The historic city of Sagunto will once again become one of the great cultural meeting points of the Valencian summer when Sagunt a Escena 2026 returns for its 43rd edition from 1 to 23 August. Combining the magic of the ancient Roman Theatre with performances in public spaces across Sagunto and Puerto de Sagunto, this year’s festival promises its most participatory edition yet, bringing together classical texts, contemporary creations, Valencian talent and performances designed to involve audiences of all ages.

Organised by the Institut Valencià de Cultura (IVC), in collaboration with Sagunto City Council and the Provincial Council of Valencia, the festival will present 19 shows across nine different venues, including the Roman Theatre and eight other public spaces throughout the city.

The event continues Sagunto’s long tradition as a bridge between heritage, culture and citizenship, using one of Spain’s most impressive Roman monuments as the backdrop for theatre, music, dance and performance.

A Roman Theatre filled with great names

The festival’s main stage will open on 1 and 2 August with ‘El Narciso en su opinión’, a major IVC production based on the work of Valencian playwright Guillem de Castro, adapted by Chema Cardeña and directed by Rebeca Valls. Featuring a large cast of Valencian performers, the production sets the tone for a programme that celebrates both classical literature and local artistic talent.

On 6 August, the Valencian company Marina Toniovic will present ‘Original Greek’, written by Juli Disla and Eva Mir, followed on 8 August by ‘La ópera de los tres centavos’, Bertolt Brecht’s famous work with music by Kurt Weill, starring musician and composer Coque Malla.

One of the most remarkable productions of the festival arrives on 11 August with ‘Hamlet’ by Teatro La Plaza. This free performance features actors with Down syndrome and has become an internationally acclaimed production, demonstrating the power of inclusive theatre.

Classical Spanish theatre will also have a strong presence with ‘La Dama Boba’, Lope de Vega’s celebrated comedy adapted by Xus de la Cruz and directed by Josep María Mestres, arriving at the Roman Theatre on 13 August.

Music and tradition will take centre stage on 15 August with Valencian artist Sandra Monfort, whose show ‘Terra de guapes’ offers a contemporary vision of folklore, combining traditional sounds, dance and modern creativity.

The passion and tragedy of classical drama will return on 20 August with ‘Fedra, en los infiernos’, starring Lydia Bosch. Written and directed by José María del Castillo, the production explores desire, obsession and the limits of human emotion.

The festival will close its Roman Theatre programme with one of Spain’s great voices: Estrella Morente. The acclaimed flamenco artist will bring her unique interpretation and extraordinary vocal power to Sagunto in a concert that promises to be one of the highlights of the summer.

Off Sagunto: culture takes to the streets

Beyond the Roman Theatre, Off Sagunto will transform the city’s streets and squares into open-air stages with 11 free performances, all created by Valencian companies.

The programme begins on 1 August at the Glorieta with ‘I si fem un clàssic?’ by Castellón-based company Visitants, a humorous journey through the poetry of great Golden Age writers including Tirso de Molina, Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca.

Dance and tradition will combine on 2 August with ‘Anudar’ by Marea Danza, a performance exploring relationships, roots and care through movement and folklore.

Sagunto-born creator Ángela Verdugo will celebrate the 20th anniversary of La Siamesa with ‘Bailarina a la carta’ on 6 August, an interactive performance inviting audiences to become part of the artistic experience.

Other highlights include ‘Públic’ by Fil d’Arena, a travelling dance performance at the Pantalán on 8 August; ‘Caso enterrado’ by Colectiv Notknown; and ‘Rob’ by Teatre de l’Abast, a tribute to imagination and creativity.

One of the most spectacular events will arrive on 19 August when La Fam Teatre presents ‘Quimera’, featuring a giant dragon measuring six metres high and twelve metres long. Combining fantasy, mythology and contemporary themes, the show reflects on the relationship between humans and technology.

Younger audiences will enjoy ‘Princeses, cavallers i dracs’, while circus and clowning will feature in ‘Koosha’ by Cía. El Cruce and ‘Juga’ by Trócola Circ.

The festival will conclude on 23 August at Antigua Morería square with internationally acclaimed Valencian choreographer Sol Picó and her large-scale street performance ‘Carrer 024’, a reflection on loneliness in modern society through dance and a spectacular mobile stage structure.

A festival for everyone

Sagunt a Escena 2026 continues its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Following the community projects launched in 2025, this year the festival will work with the InsProject Association, an organisation supporting people with physical and mental disabilities.

The dance workshop ‘Un lugar para danzar’, led by Ana Lola Cosín and Lucas García, will allow participants and their families to explore movement and creativity, while also attending the inclusive performance of ‘Hamlet’.

Accessibility will also be improved through Teatro Accesible, with subtitles and hearing assistance systems available at performances of ‘El Narciso en su opinión’, ‘La Dama Boba’ and ‘Fedra, en los infiernos’.

A summer celebration of Sagunto’s cultural identity

With its unique combination of Roman history, contemporary performance and community involvement, Sagunt a Escena 2026 reinforces Sagunto’s position as one of the most important cultural destinations in the Valencian Community.

From ancient Greek and Roman-inspired drama to flamenco, circus, street theatre and modern dance, the festival once again proves that the city’s historic stones still have many stories left to tell.

Sagunt a Escena 2026 runs from 1 to 23 August in Sagunto and Puerto de Sagunto.

Report by 24/7 Valencia team

Article copyright ’24/7 Valencia’

Tickets & Information

Tickets for performances at the Roman Theatre of Sagunto and other ticketed shows can be purchased through the official Sagunt a Escena website, where visitors can also find the complete programme, dates, venues and practical information.

Official festival website:
Sagunt a Escena 2026 – Institut Valencià de Cultura

Full programme:
Sagunt a Escena 2026 Programme

Many of the Off Sagunto performances in streets, squares and public spaces are free of charge, offering audiences the chance to enjoy theatre, dance, circus and performance throughout the city.