Granada is gearing up for a magical night this Saturday, February 8th, with the celebration of the 39th edition of the Goya Awards. The Andalusian city has thrown itself into preparing for this event, which promises to be one of the most outstanding in the recent history of the Nasrid capital.
The enthusiasm of Granada’s residents has been evident in the rapid distribution of tickets for the preliminary activities that have been held since late January. Screenings and meetings with key figures in Spanish cinema were snapped up in just half an hour, demonstrating this event’s great interest in the city. The City Council highlighted the “resounding success” and positive reception of the pre-gala activities. Each user was allowed to request a maximum of two free invitations, which were made available through the Film Academy’s website.
The first pre-Goya party, held at Sala Aliatar, has been the starting gun for a weekend full of events. The cocktail organised by the City Council was attended by the director of the Film Academy and prominent personalities from Granada’s society.
The guests for the 2025 Goya Awards will arrive in Granada on Saturday, February 8th, in a railway convoy consisting of two interconnected AVE trains departing directly from Atocha station in Madrid without intermediate stops, arriving at the Andaluces Station in Granada. Approximately 1,000 personalities from the world of cinema, theater, music, academics, and technicians will travel on this special charter train. Once in Granada, they will be transported in 14 buses escorted by the Local Police to eleven hotels designated to accommodate the guests. Another 180 participants will arrive at Federico García Lorca Airport, where four additional buses will take them to their respective accommodations, in this case escorted by the Civil Guard.
The economic impact of the Goya Awards in Granada promises to be extraordinary. It is estimated that the event will bring more than 84 million euros to the city, which expects to receive over 20,000 tourists. Hotels in the area are fully booked, auguring a weekend of great activity for the tourism and hospitality sector.
The gala will be attended by more than 3,100 guests related to the film industry. Confirmed celebrities presenting the awards include J.A. Bayona, Natalia de Molina, Miguel Bernardeau, Malena Alterio, Javier Calvo, and Javier Ambrossi. Actors including Elena Anaya, Susi Sánchez, Lola Dueñas, and Belén Rueda, among others, will also take the stage.
One of the most anticipated highlights will be Richard Gere’s presence as the recipient of the 2025 International Goya. The American star will hold a meeting with the public on Saturday at noon at the Isabel La Católica Theater. Additionally, Gere will make a private visit to the Alhambra with his family on Friday, joining other artists who will take advantage of their stay to visit the emblematic monument.
The red carpet parade promises to be spectacular. Nominees and main guests will arrive at the Conference Palace in buses from their hotels to Paseo del Violón. From there, they will travel 200 meters in official cars to the start of the red carpet, located at the corner where the two entrance staircases to the Palace converge. Facing the red carpet, between the staircase and the gardens, there will be a special stand for 250 people, including the press and lucky winners of a draw held by the Film Academy allowing them to watch the stars walk the outdoor red carpet. Although the space will be cordoned off, it will not be completely visually closed, allowing the general public to observe the event from nearby fenced areas, albeit at a distance.
The 2025 Goya Awards gala will offer a musical spectacle combining Granada’s talent with the presence of prominent national artists. It will feature performances by veteran Granada musician Miguel Ríos and other notable Granada artists such as Lola Indigo, Dellafuente, and the Morente siblings (Kiki, Soleá, and Estrella Morente). The local participation is completed by the University of Granada Orchestra, the Manuel de Falla Choir, and the Soul Dance dance group, who will accompany some of the artists on stage. At the national level, the Film Academy has confirmed the presence of renowned artists such as Alejandro Sanz, Amaral, Zahara, Rigoberta Bandini, and Dora, who will join the performance line-up.
After the awards ceremony, the Conference Palace will host an after-party starting at 1:00 AM. The menu, provided by Sabor Granada and the Abades group, will focus on local gastronomy. Guests will enjoy an Alpujarras corner with Trevélez ham, cheeses from the Poniente and Alpujarra regions, and Granada-cured meats. Cold appetizers will include Albayzín-style lamb pastries and pickled avocado and prawns from the Costa Tropical, and hot snacks will include delicacies such as Pajuna beef bites and dates stuffed with Segureño lamb. Desserts will include piononos and Loja ring-shaped pastries.
The main post-Goya party will be held in the same space, although some private celebrations are also confirmed at venues around the city, such as a private party at Sala Planta Baja.
The security measures will be impressive, with over 600 police and security personnel deployed to ensure the event’s success. Traffic cuts and a security perimeter around the Conference Palace will be established from early Saturday afternoon.
Granada is gearing up for a night that will leave a lasting mark on the city’s collective memory, reinforcing its status as a premier cultural destination and paving the way for future events of this scale.
