Rosalía surprises a packed Sant Jordi for Palestine and sparks emotion

More than 16,000 people filled Palau Sant Jordi for a solidarity concert for Palestine. Rosalía’s unexpected appearance electrified the night. The event brought together major names in music and messages of support. Barcelona experienced a unique day.

Barcelona experienced one of its most intense nights at Palau Sant Jordi, where more than 16,000 attendees joined a solidarity concert that focused on the situation of the Palestinian people. The event, the central axis of the Act x Palestine campaign, not only raised funds for cultural and humanitarian projects in Gaza and the West Bank, but also transformed the venue into a space for advocacy and collective art.

The atmosphere was already electric when artists such as Morad, Oques Grasses, Bad Gyal, Mushka, Lluís Llach, Fermín Muguruza, Amaia, Tinariwen and Aurora took to the stage. However, the most unexpected moment came when Rosalía, without prior notice, burst onto the scene. Dressed in black and white and accompanied by a small group of musicians, the artist performed «La perla», setting off an ovation that resounded throughout Sant Jordi. Her return, after three years away from the stage, became the most talked-about moment of the night.

The show, conceived as a modern opera, alternated musical performances with audiovisual interventions, performances and speeches. From the opening of the doors, the audience witnessed a brief performance by Sol Band, followed by a conversation between actor Eduard Fernández and Gazan activist Kayed Hammad. The emotion remained high with the participation of Lina Makoul and Ana Tijoux, and with an appearance by Pep Guardiola, who underlined the importance of Catalan solidarity with Palestine.

The set design, inspired by a Mediterranean square, provided the setting for Natalia Ahmad Abu Shar to thank the public for their support on behalf of the Palestinian community in Catalonia. The night continued with performances by Fermín Muguruza alongside the Jafra Dabke dance group, the Tuareg group Tinariwen and a striking performance by La Fura dels Baus, which symbolised the oppression suffered by the Palestinian people.

The diverse, cross-cutting line-up made it possible to see unique collaborations: Morad and Bad Gyal shared the stage, Oques Grasses moved the audience with «La gent que estimo», and Mushka joined Guillem Gisbert. Each intervention reinforced the message of support and the connection between Catalan culture and the Palestinian cause.

The day made clear that Barcelona remains a benchmark in defending human rights through culture, and that music can become a collective cry capable of crossing borders.

Palau Sant Jordi, inaugurated in 1990 for the Olympic Games, has consolidated itself as Barcelona’s great stage for large-scale events. Its versatility allows it to host everything from international concerts to solidarity events with major social impact. Over the years, it has witnessed historic moments for the city, becoming a symbol of gathering and collective expression. Its strategic location and capacity keep it at the epicentre of Barcelona’s cultural and social life.