For four intense days, the streets of Vilafranca de Bonany bore witness to an explosion of creativity and talent at the Children and Youth Fair of the Balearic Islands (FIET).

Rag & Bone performing in the street in front of children's audiences
Rag & Bone performing in the street in front of children’s audiences

It’s a space where the passion for performing arts melds with the collective effort of a dedicated community. Year after year, Vilafranca opens its doors and hearts to make this celebration possible.

From the Vilafranca de Bonany theater to the open-air plazas and the itinerant performances, the stage unfolded in multiple facets.

Sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity become fundamental pillars of FIET. It’s not just an entertainment event, but a platform that promotes essential values in today’s society. The participating companies not only dazzled with their art but also conveyed messages that invite reflection and environmental awareness.

What I was expecting these 4 days.

As the official photographer in charge of capturing every moment, I had the privilege of entering a universe where theatre stands as a tool for training and growth for young people of all ages.

Rel i Grapa performing in the middle of the night
Rel i Grapa performing in the middle of the night

Facing the challenge of documenting the 35 represented works, scattered throughout the town and sometimes coinciding in schedules, was a somewhat complicated task. This year, I had a bicycle at my disposal that became my faithful ally, even though my physical condition was not the best… but, gentlemen… unrealistic expectations aside… at least it helped me overcome the distances and allowed me to arrive on time for each performance.

The complexity of my work lay in capturing the essence of each work in a limited amount of time. In less than fifteen minutes, I had to find the right angle, light, and composition to capture all the strength and emotion of each performance. This requires precise synchronization, a deep understanding of the narrative of the play, and heightened artistic sensitivity.

Theatre, in its purest essence, stands as a tool of transformation for the young participants. Artistic expression becomes a universal means of communication that transcends barriers and promotes tolerance and inclusion.

From the youngest, taking their first steps on stage, to teenagers unleashing their creative potential, each performance is a testament to the formative power of art.

Play "ZOOM" at one of its peak moments.
Play “ZOOM” at one of its peak moments.

The spirit of the Vilafranca community was palpable in every corner of the FIET, enthusiastically involved in every detail, ensuring that both companies, professionals, technicians, and visitors felt welcomed and appreciated.

The Children and Youth Fair of the Balearic Islands goes beyond the boundaries of fleeting entertainment, and as a photographer, I had the privilege of immortalizing every moment, every emotion, every gesture of the young individuals who left their mark on the FIET stage.

SOURCE AND PHOTOS: VILLEGAS PHOTO