Edurne Portela, alongside fellow writer José Ovejero, recently introduced their latest literary collaboration, Una belleza terrible, during an engaging event at the Auditorio Espacio Fundación Telefónica. This interaction is not only lauded for its literary significance but also serves as part of the build-up to the upcoming Atlantic Pride festival.
Scheduled to run from July 6 to July 13, 2025, the Atlantic Pride, often referred to as the "Orgullo del Norte," has already announced its first lineup. This year's event features prominent artists including Judeline, Edurne herself, Nia, Merche, and Paula Koops, marking its continued dedication to promoting freedom of expression and identity for the LGTBI+ community.
Una belleza terrible delves deep, chronicling the intertwined lives of men and women from varying backgrounds—humble origins, aristocrats, workers, and intellectuals—who collectively fought for revolutionary ideals throughout the tumultuous 20th century. According to Portela and Ovejero, "Una belleza terrible cuenta la historia de multitud de hombres y mujeres, de orígenes humildes o aristócratas, obreros o intelectuales, que compartieron sus luchas y su intimidad mientras ponían su vida al servicio de la revolución." This compelling narrative spans from post-World War I Paris to the inspired cultural movements of the 1980s, addressing larger-than-life enemies such as Nazi Germany and the oppressive regimes of the Stalinist era.
The event featured not only Portela and Ovejero but also notable figures like journalist Jésus Maraña and editor Joan Tarrida, enriching the dialogue surrounding their collaborative writing process and the historical underpinnings of their characters. The chat provided fascinating insights about their chosen characters' ideals and struggles, emphasizing how the balance of historical fact and fictional storytelling creates resonance for contemporary readers.
On the musical front, the Atlantic Pride 2025 promises to showcase the diverse talents of several established and new pop artists. Edurne, known for her powerful vocal performances and contributions to pop music, will perform on July 12. Her repertoire spans both recent hits like Éxtasis and beloved classical tunes such as Amanecer, which represented Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015.
Other notable performances include Nia, who rose to fame as the winner of Operación Triunfo 2020, bringing her signature blend of Latin pop and experimental sound to the festival. Nia encourages the audience to expect unforgettable experiences with tracks from her album PALOSANTO and promises her performance will be nothing short of spectacular. Complementing her, Merche will perform on July 10, offering the crowd her captivating hits like Abre tu mente and No me pidas más amor. Both artists are expected to stir excitement among festival-goers.
There's also fresh talent making waves, as Judeline's unique blend of musical styles—unifying flamenco, trap, R&B, and reggaeton—has quickly distinguished her as one of Spain’s rising stars. Her anticipated performance is set to take place at the Jardines de Méndez Núñez on July 11, guaranteeing to electrify the audience with popular tracks such as Canijo and 2+1.
The Atlantic Pride, inaugurated as a beacon for rights and representation, continues to build on its success since its inception in 2019. Its lineup for 2025 indicates not only the festival's commitment to inclusivity but also its responsiveness to the current cultural moment, as indicated by the diversity of acts and the authenticity of their messages.
Meanwhile, Edurne’s recent silence on social media platforms has piqued the interest of her followers. Although she has been one of the more active artists on platforms like Instagram, her absence raises questions about potential new projects brewing behind the scenes. Her last post featured her partially obscured mouth, implying she might be holding back exciting news for her fans. Notably, she has visited recording studios, which fuels speculation about possibly working on her discography or even adding new dates for her tour, especially considering her recent success with the album Éxtasis, which climbed to the number one spot on the country’s sales charts.
Looking forward, Edurne’s presence at the Premios Dial Tenerife on March 20 as one of the award recipients suggests her continued prominence in the music industry. It promises to be another standout moment for Edurne, marking the next chapter in her expansive career. Fans await eagerly for announcements about any forthcoming projects or music releases, as both her literary contributions and her anticipated performances at Atlantic Pride reflect her multifaceted artistry.
With more details about Atlantic Pride yet to be announced, including additional artists and exciting programming, both events beckon significant cultural moments for followers and supporters. The combination of literature and live performances promises rich experiences as Portela, Ovejero, and various pop artists advance the narratives of personal and societal empowerment.