At the end of January, Barcelona will once again take center stage as Palau Sant Jordi hosts a high-profile charity concert, already being called one of the year’s biggest events. Organizers of the international Act X Palestine campaign have announced an additional ticket sale to allow as many people as possible to join the effort to help Gaza residents. The stage will bring together not only renowned musicians but also prominent figures from culture, sports, and even children from neighborhoods across the city.
Among the participants are Bad Gyal, Amaia, Oques Grasses, Lluís Llach, Fermín Muguruza, Yeray Cortés, and Morad. Each is preparing a special performance to support humanitarian organizations working in the Gaza Strip. But the musical lineup is just the tip of the iceberg. Before the concert begins, the audience will witness a unique dialogue: actor Eduard Fernández will meet Palestinian journalist and fixer Kayed Hammad on stage to discuss the real stories of people caught in the heart of the conflict.
Celebrities and Politics
Organizers are clear: this evening is about more than just music. Pep Guardiola, the famous manager, will open the concert’s first act, setting the tone for the entire event. Muschka and La Zowi will also take the stage, and the concert itself is designed as a modern opera in six acts, from prelude to epilogue. The format is a conscious choice—the organizers want the stage to become a true urban square, a place for manifestos and voices raised in support of Palestine.
Special attention is drawn to the participation of Arab Barguti, son of Palestinian leader Marwan Barguti, who has been imprisoned since 2002. Many renowned cultural figures, including Pedro Almodóvar, Javier Cercas, and Javier Bardem, have called for his release. Barguti’s presence on stage gives the event political weight and highlights that this is not just about music, but also about the fight for justice.
Children and New Voices
That evening, not only stars will take the stage. The organizers have invited Gaza’s first rock band — Osprey V. However, their participation remains uncertain: the musicians need asylum in Spain to travel safely. If the authorities give the green light, the audience will witness a unique performance that could become a symbol of hope for many young Palestinians.
Another feature of the concert is the involvement of 670 children from La Mina, La Florida, and Bon Pastor. For several weeks, they receive training in the culture of peace and prepare to appear on stage together with 74 mentors. This approach shows that the organizers are focused on raising a new generation capable of broader thinking and compassion for others’ hardships.
Transparency and Trust
The Act X Palestine project was initiated mainly by Palestinian organizations, who chose Barcelona for a reason. The city is renowned for its history of fighting for rights and its tradition of free expression. All funds raised will support cultural centers in Palestine, with the distribution of aid to be as transparent as possible: an independent external auditing company will oversee the process. This is intended to eliminate any suspicion of misuse and to strengthen trust in the initiative.
Organizers emphasize that minimizing intermediaries and working directly with the Palestinian Performing Arts Network and independent centers is key to providing effective support. This approach not only ensures swift response to needs, but also sustains cultural development in a region where it is often under threat.
A city as a symbol
Barcelona is once again affirming its reputation as a city where compassion drives change. The concert is set to be more than just a musical event—it will become a true statement of solidarity. There will be no bystanders here; every participant and audience member will be part of a larger story where music, words, and action unite to provide real support to those in need.
At a time when the world is increasingly faced with humanitarian crises, initiatives like this are especially important. Barcelona is setting an example of how culture can become a tool for real change, with the stage serving as a place where hope is born.
