Havaneres in Port de Sóller: the September gathering

The habanera (havanera in Catalan) is a musical genre born in Cuba in the 19th century that took root along Mediterranean coasts, above all in Catalonia and the Balearics. It is usually sung in a group with a nostalgic tone and is linked to the sea and to sailors returning from the Caribbean. In Sóller the official programme describes it as the "feeling, roots and living memory" of the land.

The Trobada d'Havaneres in Port de Sóller is a gathering over several days in September with concerts by the sea. According to the official programme of a recent edition, it is promoted by the Ajuntament through its economic promotion department, with the group TRUI, and has the support of the Balearic Government, the Institut d'Estudis Balears and the Consell de Mallorca. The island press names Miguel Jaume as the promoter and creator of the gathering. One edition was once suspended for lack of institutional support, which explains the care taken to keep it going.

• Format: evening concerts on a stage by the beach, with several groups each night and a presenter. Depending on the edition, it lasts two or three evenings, Friday to Sunday.
• Who plays: groups from Mallorca and Sóller, with guests from other islands or from outside. Regular participants include the Xeremiers de Sóller and the Estol de Tramuntana association, founded in the Port in 1981, which brings dances and folk music.
• Godfather or godmother: each edition names a figure of the genre to honour; the singer Tomeu Penya held the role for several editions in a row.
• Line-up: changes every year; see the official programme.

On entry and capacity, the press reports that the concerts of recent editions were open access, but confirm with the Ajuntament because it may change.

The Trobada is held on Platja d'en Repic (also written Can Repic), the Port de Sóller beach beside the seafront promenade. It is also the setting of one of the Firó battles: the guide to Port de Sóller helps you get your bearings.

• Arrival: the tram drops you on the promenade; from there, walk.
• Before the concert: have dinner at one of the Port restaurants, which fill up in September.

• Arrive in good time: the beach and promenade fill up, especially on Saturday.
• A light layer: the sea breeze at night is cool in September.
• With children: the mood is family-friendly and relaxed; bring something to sit on.
• Without a car: parking in the Port at weekends is hard; use the tram and the parking guide.
• Book ahead: rooms and tables fill up on the Trobada weekend.

Port de Sóller is a few kilometres from the town and the two are linked by the tram; the train runs from Palma to the town.

• By train and tram: the Sóller train runs from Palma and the tram links the town with the Port. It is the easiest way to get around on festival days.
• By car: park on the outskirts and walk; the guide to parking in Sóller explains the options. On the big days streets in the centre are closed and car parks fill early.
• By taxi or bus: see taxi and transport. If you are coming from elsewhere on the island, check getting to Sóller before you set off.

To sleep near the event, see the best hotels in Sóller and the hotels in Port de Sóller. On festival days rooms go early, so book ahead and confirm the conditions on each property's official website.

Exact dates and times change every year and are published by the Ajuntament de Sóller (economic promotion department). Before you book travel or a hotel, confirm them on the Ajuntament de Sóller events calendar or its festes section (in Catalan). This guide gives only the stable pattern of each festival, not a specific programme.

Other festivals in the valley: Es Firó, Sant Bartomeu, Sant Antoni, Holy Week, Classical Music Festival. You will find them all, month by month, in the cultural calendar and festivals of Sóller.