The usual audience at the Cruïlla festival in Barcelona appreciates the occasion for its difference. For this reason, they're especially celebrating the return of the musical event after the forced pandemic break. Once again, the Forum will be filled for four Summer days with a crossover of musical genres, with rock, pop, indie, fusion, hip-hop and rumba rhythms.

Since its creation in 2008, Cruïlla has been defined by its diversity of musical performances. Something that its faithful attendees also especially value is the commitment to discover new stuff — the names of emerging bands occupy almost the same space on the promotional poster as the well-known headliners.

Between July 6 and 9, attendees will be delighted with the fusion of the mythical Caribbean singer-songwriter Juan Luis Guerra, the catchy riffs of Jack White, the verses of the incombustible Residente, with Rubén Blades accompanied by the Roberto Delgado Orchestra, and the pop British rock by Duran Duran.

But there will also be plenty of room for local talent. From the rumba of Stay Homas — blowing up with their home videos during the pandemic — Rigoberta Bandini, Tanxugeiras, and names with more experience like Delafé  y Las Flores Azules, Els Catarres and Joan Dausà. There is something for everyone. 'Cruïlla' means 'crossing,' and that is the philosophy that defines the festival.

“At Cruïlla there is only the good known and the good to be known,” boasts the festival's Twitter profile.

Facing the Mediterranean Sea, the experience of these four days will go beyond music. There will also be a special place reserved for the arts, performances and comedy shows, which will help reduce the adrenaline between concerts. Cruïlla Comedy has been betting on the best national comedians for years, and this year they boast of having the best lineup in their history, with names like Ana Polo, Carolina Iglesias, Marc Sarrats, Oye Sherman and Modgi.

In the arts sector, the satire of the El Estafador magazine will stand out, where 18 illustrators will come together to create a collaborative mural of vignettes that they will paint live. There will be a special place to honor the late Xavier Mercadé, omnipresent photojournalist and founder of Enderrock magazine, who devoted himself to capturing live music in Barcelona.

There will also be space for the CitiesToBe Photo Award photographic exhibition, with 50 images that reflect on contemporary global challenges through urban landscapes, the dance of the Brodas Bros with their show “Ejército de la luz,” and street artists painting graffiti murals with the headliners' portraits.

Last weekend, the festival warmed up with Cruïlla XXS, with performances by the legendary Mishima at Poble Espanyol, and David Otero at CC Westfield de Glòries.

The ambitious musical and artistic festival is accompanied by a commitment to the environment, trying to reduce the environmental impact as much as possible. At this edition, there will be a commitment to eliminate the use of plastic and minimize the environmental footprint. In addition, attendees will be able to enjoy the bands without running between too many stages, and without too many overlapping performances.