F. (Barranco, el regreso de la Filoxera)

Barranco Fest first came to life in July 2012 in Fitero, Navarre, a small town in the Ribera del Ebro where nothing much ever happened. The Cultural Association Barranco aimed to create something far from the usual for their area. From its inaugural edition featuring local artists, Barranco Fest grew, showcasing top national and international music talents. Each summer, it drew hundreds of visitors who were new to Fitero but had heard of the festival and its vibrant offerings. Like the phylloxera, enjoyment spread beyond the typical festival format, including gastronomic and cultural activities, all thanks to the collaborative spirit of the local people who contributed communal spaces like the pools, theater, Cistercian monastery, and the bullring, all non-profit. There, in a small village among the vineyards, magical and unique moments occurred. This piece fictionalizes the reality of Barranco, posing the question: What form would the 19th-century phylloxera plague take in Fitero, Navarre, in 2023?