The Salesian College of Mérida (María Auxiliadora) is set to host the final of the first Boscofest on Saturday, 7 November, starting at 1 PM. This competition for emerging bands and musical groups has been established to highlight young talent.
Antonio Vélez, the cultural delegate, emphasised the importance of such initiatives, stating, “We understand that culture is not just about offering activities, but that events like this festival respond to one of our main ideas, which is to nurture young talent so that they can also be protagonists and participants in the cultural activities held in the city.”
Vélez further explained, “These musicians found a space in the college to develop their musical interests, and that connection with them and the young bands, that link between past and future, is what we consider to be of great value.”
Under the slogan “Your music. Your moment. Your stage,” Boscofest aims to provide a platform for young musicians to perform live in front of an audience and a jury, allowing their talent to be recognised, as noted by festival organiser Laura Pacheco. The festival's name pays homage to Don Bosco, the founder of the Salesians, for whom music was an essential part of youth education.
The event will feature four finalist bands and five groups that originated from the college fifty years ago, making it an open day for the public. The competition will kick off with the final, following a selection phase where an internal jury evaluated a cover and an original song from each group. The four bands competing are: Piel de Rana (Mérida), Addiction Love (Santander), The Drunk Future (Badajoz), and Ley Cero (Olivenza). The top three bands will share a prize pool of €800.
Starting at 2:30 PM, Boscofest will also celebrate the musical history of the college with a special performance marking its 50th anniversary, featuring five bands that emerged from the institution: Dr. Gri, Esto es lo que hay, Interfectos, Tipo Pilsen, and Bucéfalo by Hecatombe.
With this inaugural edition, Salesian College in Mérida aims to establish Boscofest as a regular event to promote emerging musical talent, creativity, and community among young people.
