More than 12,000 cowboys thrill to the Huercasa Country Festival

More than 12,000 fans from all over Europe will celebrate the tenth edition of the Huercasa Country Festival in Riaza, Segovia, from July 18th to 20th. The festival has become a must-attend event for lovers of roots music. "A carefully curated lineup, a rural setting, a comfortable and intimate experience that continues to focus on detail, honesty, and respect for the environment," explain its promoters.

Bea Camiña, a spokesperson for the festival, explained to ABC that "there's a significant audience from other European festivals, as Huercasa is already a leading event in Europe. This year, people came from all over Spain, and especially from France, Germany, Austria, and Italy. This year's attendance will far exceed the 12,000 from last year's edition."

This year's lineup includes key figures in American music, emerging talents, and carefully curated offerings that resonate with the festival's essence. On Friday, July 18, the Las Delicias soccer field reopened its doors for a day of roots, guitars, and thrills. From Oklahoma came Jason Scott & The High Heat . He was followed by Myron Elkins , the young country rock star who left his mark on his last visit to Huercasa and now arrives with a new album: 'Nostalgia For Sale'.

Next up, Twanguero , Diego García's alter ego, a guitar virtuoso and creator of his own style that blends western, surf, flamenco, and Latin folk with impeccable execution, took center stage. The final act was Son Volt , led by Jay Farrar, a pioneer of alt-country and an undisputed icon of contemporary Americana, with a restrained and magnetic live performance.

This Saturday, the festival will experience its most ambitious day yet, with The Jayhawks , who return to Huercasa a decade after closing the first edition, reaffirming their status as one of the most beloved alt-country bands; The War and Treaty , with their mix of gospel, soul, folk and overwhelming stage power; and Rob Leines , who brought his powerful southern sound and his stories of asphalt and physical labor. Saturday's lineup is completed by Germán Salto , who will present an expanded format of his 'Country Thunder Revue', created specifically for this edition of the festival, and Al Dual , a guitarist from Murcia considered one of the greatest European exponents of rockabilly and the North American vintage sound.

The Harvest Stage, within the venue and at dusk, will host concerts by The Barroom Buddies Band from Barcelona, with covers of outlaw country and an impeccable festive spirit; w , with her blend of power pop and American soul; and Jodie Cash , one of the most recognized voices of country music in Spain, with a performance that combines attitude and tradition.

Meanwhile, Riaza's Plaza Mayor became the heart of the festival once again on Saturday morning, with two free concerts: Noel McKay & The Spanish Cowboys , who will bring their Texan narrative folk, and Juáner Domínguez , a regular on the Madrid alternative circuit with his blend of spoken word, singer-songwriter music, and stage honesty. Both performances were accompanied by a country line dancing session, open to the public, which filled the square with synchronized steps, a festive spirit, and that American flavor that is now a Huercasa tradition.

Tomorrow, Sunday, as a final touch, the plaza will once again become a massive dance floor with another session of country line dancing to close out the festival.

"This year, we've registered dozens of families with more than 300 children," explain the organizers. In fact, the festival grounds also featured a Pioneertown area, designed for the little ones. Inspired by old Western towns, this space includes a special selection of activities that have defined the festival's ten years, with a mix of the most acclaimed offerings from family audiences. "Everything is designed so that the little ones can also experience Huercasa in their own way. A way for the family to enjoy the rural environment, an active lifestyle, and the values of healthy eating and leisure," they emphasize.