Buying a ticket for a concert or theatre show is usually a simple process: select the event, put the date and place in your calendar, and wait for the day to arrive. However, in the intriguing universe of Terrats en Cultura, the dynamic changes completely. Although you can purchase your ticket, up to two days before the show you will not know the exact location of the performance. This increasingly popular festival is distinguished by its unique proposal, where surprise is the main protagonist. A different experience, captivating the hearts of hundreds of music lovers and those who seek good theatre with something beyond the conventional. Immerse yourself in this exciting cultural journey, where uncertainty is the prelude to magic.

The cultural association Coincidències

To understand the roots of Terrats en Cultura, your first stop is ’Coincidències’, a cultural association founded in 2013. Its mission is the creation of new cultural experiences through the direct collaboration between creators and artists who turn the audience into fundamental elements of the work. Achieved through actions ranging from seeing and touching to listening and participating, every performance seeks to actively involve the audience.

For the association, culture does not limit itself to large spaces such as theatres or museums. They emphasise that such works flourish in any urban corner and that any place can become the perfect setting for educational initiatives. Culture is freed from closed confines, inviting all audiences to enjoy a unique shared experience.

A project in which sharing is living

The philosophy of sharing is manifested in an exceptional way by this festival full of clandestine elements, created especially for urban explorers eager to discover spaces normally closed to the public. The event is held from April to October, with a break in August, but at its busiest with between ten and twenty shows in the months of June and July.

Venues include private rooftops in the neighbourhoods of Gràcia, Sant Andreu or Poblenou, or spaces such as the Institut Escola Eixample. L’Hospitalet de Llobregat has also joined in, hosting some of the artistic events at the Bellvitge Library. A clear indication of the success of a project that is gaining followers all the time.

A firm commitment to hybrid genres

Combining as it does,   music, dance, theatre, poetry and reflection, the program includes very diverse genres, ranging from vibrant sounds like rumba to dramatised readings, staged concerts, dance shows and even plays that have been censored. In many cases these are premieres of the new works by the invited artists.

The entire programme is distinguished by its proximity and, without any doubt, is enriched by the uniqueness of the spaces that house the events. Beyond the social and cultural, the objective of the event is also to create a community space that transcends conventions. As its founders explain, you may not remember in which theatre or concert hall you saw a particular work, but if you have seen a show on a terrace, it won’t be  easily forgotten.

Sustainable proximity

The philosophy of sustainability permeates every aspect of the proposal, highlighted through a “0 plastic” policy for the entire festival. This environmental commitment is not limited to the reduction of plastic waste, but extends to inclusive practices aimed at less advantaged groups for example accessibility to the rooftops is a priority, evidencing a genuine concern that the event is enjoyable for everyone.

This commitment to proximity and local value is palpably manifested in the gastronomic experience offered. The wine tasting uses a selection that not only complements each event but has its roots in the Catalan designation of origin. This approach highlights the quality of local products and also encourages strong support for regional producers.

A European-wide project

Terrats en Cultura is part of the European Creative Rooftop Network (ECRN). This network seeks to unify social, cultural, urban and environmental initiatives to transform the rooftops of European cities into cultural epicentres. The R-EU-FTOP project, for example, is present in nine European countries, including Portugal, Sweden, Spain, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.

Their focus is on taking greater advantage of the underutilised 15-35% of the urban landscape, specifically rooftops. This movement not only seeks to value such spaces but promotes their role in creativity, sustainability and cultural expression. Join this initiative that redefines the way we see and use terraces, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable urban environment.