The southern Spanish television legend, the program «Andalucía directo», is on the verge of a major milestone. After 27 years of being a near-daily presence in Andalusian homes, the team is preparing to celebrate its 7,000th broadcast. This is not just a round number, but an entire era for regional television—a testament to the immense audience loyalty and affection for a format that has become a true reflection of life in the autonomous community. To mark this remarkable achievement, Canal Sur is launching an unprecedented road tour that will turn all of Andalucía into one big film set.
The idea behind the celebration is to share this moment with those for whom the program has been created all these years—the ordinary residents. Each week, the crew together with hosts Modesto Barragán and Paz Santana will take their mobile studio to one of the region’s eight provinces. It’s a unique opportunity for viewers to see how television is made behind the scenes and to become direct participants in this historic marathon. The festivities have already begun: the first city to host the flagship public television project was Tarifa, in the province of Cádiz. It was here, from Alameda Guzmán el Bueno square, that this large-scale journey set off.
The tour schedule is set for several weeks ahead. After Cádiz, Málaga will take over on October 2, followed by Jaén on the 7th and Córdoba on the 10th. The highlight will come on October 13. On this day, in the heart of Granada, at Plaza Puerta Real, the milestone 7,000th episode will air live. But the celebration won’t end there. After Granada, the team will continue on to Huelva (October 17), Seville (October 21), and finally wrap up the tour on October 23 in Almería, at the iconic Plaza de Macael.
The very first live broadcast from Tarifa set the tone for the entire celebration. Host Modesto Barragán walked down a long green carpet to the tune of another historic Canal Sur program, “Tal como somos,” sparking nostalgia among many viewers. On a specially built stage, he joined reporters Cristina Gil and Marina Moreno for what they called “a selfie for the history books.” In his speech to the audience, Barragán emphasized that the real stars of the show have always been—and remain—the people of Andalusia. He reminded everyone of the project’s mission of public service and its unwavering slogan: “At your service.”
In nearly three decades, “Andalucía directo” has become more than just a news program. It is a social phenomenon that brings daily stories of both major and minor events, challenges, and joys experienced by people in the most remote corners of the region. The program’s ability to remain relevant, vibrant, and closely connected to its audience is the key to its longevity. The upcoming anniversary marathon is not only a source of pride for its creators but also a perfect opportunity to thank the millions of Andalusians for their years of trust.
