The town of Barbastro has unveiled an extensive cultural programme for November, showcasing literature, theatre, music, ballet, film, and exhibitions aimed at audiences of all ages. The Centre for Congresses will serve as one of the main venues for these events.
Pilar Abad, the local councillor for culture, emphasised the diverse offerings of the agenda, which includes performances from renowned companies, family activities, concerts, and opportunities for the public to engage with various artistic disciplines.
Among the highlights are the performance of Camino a la Meca featuring Lola Herrera, the ballet The Nutcracker, a film noir cycle titled 1946: a year in black, and the awards ceremony for the Barbastro Literary Competition.
The programme kicks off on Friday, 6 November, at 19:00 with the Barbastro Literary Competition 2026 awards ceremony at the Centre for Congresses. Hosted by Elena Puértolas, the event will present awards across various literary categories, including The right to stay still by Marina Perezagua, winner of the International Novel Prize Ciudad de Barbastro; Each thing in motion by Javier Vicedo Alós, winner of the International Poetry Prize Hermanos Argensola; and Vistreta antecullida by Manuel Sánchez Barea, winner of the Short Novel Prize in Aragonese Ziudá de Balbastro. The presentation will feature the authors and jury representatives.
The following day, Saturday 7 November, at 12:00, the Menudo Teatro cycle will present The legend of Sally Jones by Baychimo Teatro, a puppet theatre show aimed at families with children aged six and above, promising an adventure-filled journey of friendship and emotions.
Dance will take centre stage on Friday, 13 November, at 20:00 with a performance of The Nutcracker by the International Ballet Company. This production, featuring soloists from various European countries, promises a classic ballet experience combining fantasy, music, and an exquisite stage presentation.
Family theatre continues on Saturday, 14 November, at 20:00 with Snow White, the musical by Candileja Producciones, part of the PLATEA programme. This show reinterprets the classic tale, promoting diversity and inclusion with a cast comprising professionals with and without disabilities.
The theatrical offerings will continue on Sunday, 22 November, at 19:00 with Hoy no estrenamos by L'Om Imprebís, a comedy featuring Carles Castillo, Santiago Sánchez, Carles Montoliu, and Víctor Lucas. This award-winning play, recognised at the Castilla y León Theatre Fair, takes audiences through various stories and characters with humour, emotion, and interpretative virtuosity.
Another major attraction will be Camino a la Meca on Saturday, 28 November, at 20:00, starring Lola Herrera alongside Natalia Dicenta and Carlos Olalla. This play by playwright Athol Fugard addresses themes of freedom, old age, personal autonomy, and the right to choose how to live, delivered through a deeply emotional narrative.
Music will also feature prominently, with the Banda de Música Ciudad de Barbastro performing their traditional Santa Cecilia Concert on Saturday, 21 November, at 20:00, with free entry. The concert will include participation from María López and the Coral Barbitanya, introducing a new Aragonese bolero composed by Blas Coscollar for band and dulzaina, featuring Carlos Trell from the Dulzaineros del Somontano.
On Friday, 27 November, at 20:30, B Vocal will present Singing at 30, a show celebrating three decades of their artistic journey through a cappella music, humour, and vocal performance.
Film will take a special spotlight in November with the cycle 1946: a year in black, dedicated to three classic film noir titles. Screenings will take place at the Cine Cortés, with free entry, preceded by introductory talks at 19:00. The first session on Tuesday, 10 November, will feature The Big Sleep by Howard Hawks, introduced by journalist and film critic Carlos Marañón. On Tuesday, 17 November, Gilda by Charles Vidor will be screened, followed by The Postman Always Rings Twice by Tay Garnett on Tuesday, 24 November. The latter two sessions will include contributions from Guillermo Balmori, a writer, film historian, and co-founder of Notorious Ediciones. All three films will begin at 20:00.
The independent film cycle The Look of Harry will also present two new screenings. On Thursday, 12 November, at 20:30, Living the Land by Chinese director Huo Meng, awarded the Silver Bear for Best Direction at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, will be shown. On Thursday, 26 November, A Woman's Life by Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet will explore the balance between professional and personal life. Both screenings will take place at the Cine Cortés.
The programme will also feature various exhibitions and activities for children and families. From 9 to 28 November, Barbastro will host The Illustrated Company, an itinerant exhibition promoted by the Provincial Council of Huesca, titled Book Mysteries, showcasing interpretations by ten illustrators of great literary works. The exhibition will be available for viewing at the Casa de la Cultura and various shops in the Market Square. Additionally, on Monday, 23 November, at 17:00, Carlos Grassa, director of The Illustrated Company, will lead a guided tour of the exhibition.
On Thursday, 26 November, also at 17:00, the Biblioteca Hermanos Argensola will host the children's workshop Mysteries in Conservation led by illustrator Eva Naval. This free activity, requiring prior registration, will allow participants to create small visual stories using everyday materials and creative recycling techniques. Furthermore, until 20 November, the exhibition Reflections: The Art of Visual Deceptions by illusionist Pedro III will remain open at the Centre for Congresses.
