The Rototom Sunsplash returns to Benicàssim, Spain, from August 16 to 23, 2025, marking its 30th anniversary with an expanded program, a stellar lineup, and a renewed commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and social awareness. This year’s edition promises to be one of the most ambitious yet, featuring over 200 concerts across seven stages, alongside a rich tapestry of cultural activities designed to engage all ages.
A Landmark Celebration: 30 Years of Reggae Roots
For three decades, Rototom Sunsplash has been Europe’s premier reggae festival, celebrating not only music but also values like peace, diversity, and environmental consciousness. The 2025 edition, themed “Celebrating Life,” pays homage to its roots while embracing innovation. With two additional days compared to previous years, the festival will offer eight full days of uninterrupted activity, blending world-class performances with workshops, debates, and family-friendly initiatives.
This milestone edition honors the legacy of reggae legends while showcasing contemporary artists who continue to push the genre forward. Among the headliners are Burning Spear, whose mystical reggae anthems remain timeless, and Tiken Jah Fakoly, the Ivorian singer-songwriter known for his politically charged lyrics. Other standout acts include dancehall superstar Shaggy, Cuban hip-hop pioneers Orishas, and reggae royalty Marcia Griffiths, whose six-decade career includes her role as part of Bob Marley’s I-Threes.
A Star-Studded Lineup Across Seven Stages
Rototom Sunsplash 2025 boasts a diverse array of performers representing various styles within the reggae universe and beyond. Highlights include:
Day 1 (August 16): Opening night kicks off with a double bill featuring Morgan Heritage and Tarrus Riley, setting the tone for a week of musical excellence.
Day 2 (August 17): Burning Spear headlines, delivering a spiritual journey through reggae’s golden era. He’ll share the stage with Julian Marley, son of Bob Marley, ensuring the Marley legacy remains alive and vibrant.
Day 3 (August 18): The Wailers take center stage, joined by rising star Spice, whose bold dancehall rhythms captivate audiences worldwide.
Day 4 (August 19): Dancehall king Shaggy brings his infectious energy to the Main Stage, supported by conscious rap collective Morodo.
Day 5 (August 20): A fusion of sounds emerges with L’Entourloop, Cimarons, and OBF, bridging reggae, dub, and electronic influences.
Day 6 (August 21): Legendary ska band Steel Pulse shares the spotlight with Grammy-winning artist Koffee, proving that reggae continues to evolve.
Day 7 (August 22): Orishas closes out the penultimate night with their revolutionary blend of hip-hop and Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Day 8 (August 23): Closing ceremonies feature Tiken Jah Fakoly, capping off the festival with messages of unity and resilience.
Special tributes to Bob Marley—who would have turned 80 in 2025—are woven throughout the program, including appearances by his sons Ky-Mani Marley and Julian Marley, as well as screenings of the biopic Bob Marley: One Love.
Beyond Music: A Hub for Culture and Activism
What sets Rototom Sunsplash apart is its dedication to fostering dialogue and reflection. The festival’s Foro Social hosts six sessions addressing pressing global issues, such as climate justice, Palestinian solidarity, and indigenous rights. Esteemed speakers include Brazilian minister Sonia Guajajara and UNRWA Spain director Raquel Martí.
Other highlights include:
Discovery Lab: Partnering with CERN, this interactive space invites attendees to explore science through fun activities like building theremins or making homemade ice cream.
Pachamama Area: Combining yoga, agroecology workshops, and discussions on sustainable living.
Jamkunda: Celebrating African culture via afro-modern dance workshops and anti-racism theater.
Magicomundo: A haven for children, offering creative play, storytelling, and family-friendly reggae sessions.
Sustainability at Its Core
True to its ethos, Rototom prioritizes eco-conscious practices. As the first plastic-free festival in Europe, it has eliminated over 2.5 million single-use bottles since partnering with Tuawa. Additionally, efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 24% underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features
Rototom caters to diverse audiences, with dedicated areas for families, accessible facilities for people with disabilities, and discounted tickets for seniors and minors. Children under 12 can attend for just €10, while teenagers enjoy 50% discounts on passes.
Logistics and Travel Tips
Benicàssim expects nearly 20,000 daily visitors during the festival. To ease congestion, organizers recommend using public transportation, with special shuttle services connecting the venue to nearby train stations and urban centers. Parking is available along the CV-147 highway, though private vehicles are restricted near the site.
Why Rototom Matters
More than a music festival, Rototom Sunsplash embodies a philosophy of interconnectedness and shared humanity. It transforms Benicàssim into a temporary global village, where attendees from over 100 countries come together to celebrate life through music, art, and activism.
Tickets and camping packages are available via the official website, with prices ranging from €48 for single-day entry to €280 for an eight-day pass. For full details, visit rototomsunsplash.com .
As Rototom Sunsplash enters its fourth decade, it reaffirms its status as a beacon of hope, creativity, and cross-cultural exchange—a testament to the enduring power of reggae to inspire change and foster unity.
Rototom is more than a festival—it’s a global village where music, culture, and activism unite under the sun.