Enjoy the International Festival of Benicassim. Information about the FIB music & history.
On the beaches of Castellón, in the Valencian Community, is located the municipality of Benicassim (Benicàssim in Valencian), on the Costa del Azahar. Its name was given to it by its Muslim settlers, and comes from Bani-Kassim, this literally means the sons of the delivery man. It has some 18,000 inhabitants, although in summer, and thanks to its tourist importance, reaches up to 40,000.
It has some stunning beaches, of golden sand and crystal waters, which are both accompanied by an enviable Mediterranean climate which invites you to enjoy the sun and see, and get to know its history. Benicassim has been a city, which for its geographical location has been subject to fights and colonisations, has been refuge to pirates and smugglers of the Mediterranean. In the 20th century it was a holiday destination and second home to many families.
But Benicassim strongly re-emerged 15 years ago, and this resurgence has been thanks to one of the most important festivals in Europe: the FIB (International Festival of Benicassim). This festival has now been celebrated for 15 years in the locality of Castellón and has seen many famous artists such as Blur, Bjork and Alanis Morrisette, as well as Spanish groups of independent record labels, being a show of the evolution of Spanish music.
In 1994, with a Movida Madrileña decadence, new types of music from the United States and the United Kingdom started coming into Spain, which meant a change in the panorama of Spanish music: new rhythms, instruments, new sounds and much experimentation. For the first time Spain received the latest music from the other side of the Atlantic at the same time as the rest of Europe. CDs from groups such as Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Oasis and Blur began being sold in shops.
Luis Calvo and Joako Ezpeleta, both editors of the magazine Spiral and, also, the first directors of Elefant Records, along with Miguel and José Morán, in charge of the concert hall Maravillas, started to develop what was until now only just a dream: ‘we used to dream with the idea of creating a perfect space to celebrate an international meeting of young people of those which would like the music. A special place in which lives a unique experience, enriching and unforgettable, where participants are able to share experiences, interests and likings and change this into emotional support which will allow he groups to offer special, unrepeatable concerts.
The proposal was presented to the Mayor of Benicassim, Françesc Colomer, who betted on the idea, and made it so that Benicassim would appear on the map of European and World music festivals.
Alter fifteen years the FIB carries on full of health and gathering over 4 days young people who come from all over the world to see and hear the latest music, at the same time as enjoying the sun, the beach, and a free camping area right next to the concerts.
Put the FIB on your agenda of summer activities and enjoy good music on the Mediterranean Coast.