The crowd erupted during “Oye Cómo Va”, a communal celebration of Latin rhythm and funk, and the singalong to “Maria Maria” created a moment of heartfelt connection between audience and artist. Mid-set, Santana shifted to more powerful and rhythmic pieces like “Foo Foo” and “Everybody’s Everything”, the latter leading into an impressive bass solo by Benny Rietveld. This moment turned into a brief, touching tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, with a snippet of “Iron Man”, led by powerhouse drummer Cindy Blackman. The mood softened for “Samba pa ti”, where Santana’s guitar practically wept in melodic serenity. The audience swayed through the sustained notes of this classic instrumental. With songs like “No One to Depend On”, “Hope You’re Feeling Better”, and (Da le) Yaleo, the groove deepened, pushing the boundaries between rock and Afro-Caribbean rhythm. The main set closed with “Corazón Espinado”, a fiery and joyful collaboration track with the crowd singing along as if in unison with Santana himself.

The encore was nothing short of explosive. Kicking off with “Toussaint L’Ouverture”, the band reignited the stage with virtuosity and drive. Then came a thunderous drum solo by Cindy Blackman—equal parts technical brilliance and primal energy. Finally, “Smooth” closed the night with full-band introductions and infectious energy. Even after decades, this hit retains its irresistible groove and Santana’s guitar still makes it shine.

The setting at Marina Norte was intimate yet grand. As night fell over Valencia, the lights danced off the water, and the warm coastal air carried the music into the distance. The audience was diverse—long-time fans, curious newcomers, and those who came simply to dance. It was a crowd that respected the music and lived in the moment. Carlos Santana’s concert in Valencia wasn’t just a performance—it was a spiritual gathering of sorts. His message of peace, light, and interconnectedness resonated between the solos and the smiles. At 78 , Santana continues to play with fire in his fingers and grace in his heart. For those lucky enough to be there, this night was a reminder that great music doesn’t age—it evolves, expands, and connects.

31 JULY