SpainLife

🇪🇸 On 11 July 2026, the Catalan town of Isona, in the Pallars Jussà comarca, will turn into an open-air stage for theatre, circus, dance and street performance.

FART Festival, Isona’s festival of performing arts, returns this year in a special one-day format called Mig FART. Instead of its usual multi-day programme, the event will bring together six artistic performances built around closeness, shared emotions and the unique connection between artists, audiences and the town itself.

🎭 For this small Pyrenean community, FART Festival is more than a summer event. It is a chance to experience contemporary performing arts in streets and public squares, discover the energy of local cultural life, and see a side of Catalonia far beyond the usual tourist routes.

🏔 A visit to Isona can also become part of a journey through Pallars Jussà, a region of mountain landscapes, historic villages and a slower summer rhythm. It is the kind of place where a cultural festival feels intimate, authentic and truly connected to its surroundings.

📅 11 July 2026
📍 Isona, Isona i Conca Dellà, Catalonia

🇪🇸 Spain is preparing its 2027 budget — and the first figure is already historic.

Pedro Sánchez’s government has approved a record public spending ceiling of €226.032 billion.

This is not the budget itself. It is the upper limit that will shape the future General State Budget — Presupuestos Generales del Estado.

Why does it matter?

Because this figure will influence how much Spain can allocate to social programmes, housing, healthcare, education, pensions, science and other key areas.

The decision applies to the whole country, but its impact will also be felt across the autonomous communities — including Catalonia, Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Madrid, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

For 2027, the spending limit is 6.6% higher than in 2026.

The government has also approved deficit targets:
• 1.8% of GDP in 2027
• 1.6% in 2028
• 1.5% in 2029

For the regions, the deficit target is set at 0.1% of GDP for each of the three years. According to the Ministry of Finance, this gives autonomous communities more room to fund social policies.

But the political challenge is still ahead: while the spending ceiling has been approved by the government, the deficit and debt targets still need parliamentary backing.

The big question now is whether the government can secure enough support to turn this spending limit into a full 2027 budget.

For now, the decision opens the budget process — but it does not guarantee its successful completion.

🎶 Tàrrega is getting ready for one of the most vibrant music events of the summer — the 28th Paupaterres Festival!

The festival will take place from 9 to 11 July 2026, turning this Catalan town into an open-air space for live music, food, family activities and long summer evenings.

🎤 The opening night will be held on 9 July at Parc de Sant Eloi. Admission is free, with Balkan Paradise Orchestra starting the evening, followed by Partiperes and a closing set by DJ Bruga.

On 10 July, the main programme moves to Tàrrega Municipal Campsite, with performances by Lil Marra, Blu Nana, Sopa de Cabra, The Tyets and Malifeta.

On 11 July, the festival begins with the PaupaKids family programme: Els Beta will take the stage at 7:30 pm. Later in the evening, visitors can enjoy Paula Milara, Els Amics de les Arts, La Pegatina and La Follia.

Paupaterres brings together Catalan rock and pop, dance rhythms, a lively festival atmosphere, food trucks, a craft market, a family area and tastings.

It is a perfect excuse to discover Tàrrega at its most summery — with open-air music, local flavours and the relaxed spirit of a Catalan celebration.

Dates and programme may change. We are not the organisers and are not responsible for cancellations, changes or rescheduling. Please check the latest information with the organisers before visiting.