Marenostrum Fuengirola, one of the most important live music events in southern Spain, has just become the first of its kind to obtain the Carbon Footprint Certification for Events, awarded by AENOR (Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification). The distinction, which recognizes its efforts in 2024, comes just as the festival celebrates its tenth anniversary with its most ambitious edition to date – featuring a lineup of over 100 artists – while reinforcing its growing commitment to sustainability. “Achieving this milestone is a recognition of the work that has been done at Marenostrum Fuengirola since its beginnings in terms of sustainability, responsibility towards the environment, and the community surrounding the venue,” says Daphne Martínez, responsible for Sustainable Development Goals at the festival, to Billboard Español. “For us, it is one of the most important pillars.”
Born in 2016 as an initiative of the Fuengirola City Council to promote cultural tourism in the city, Marenostrum Fuengirola has grown year after year to become one of the highlights of the summer music scene in Spain. The concerts take place from late April to mid-September at the Sohail Castle, a 10th-century fortress located by the sea in Fuengirola, in the province of Malaga. The venue has two stages: a more intimate one inside the castle itself, with a capacity of 2,400 people, and an outdoor one, by the Mediterranean, which can accommodate up to 18,500 attendees.
Marenostrum has established itself over time as an essential stop on the country’s concert circuit, attracting figures such as Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Bob Dylan, Santana, Rod Stewart, and Bizarrap, and more than 880,000 attendees. The ambitious 2025 edition covers everything from pop and electronic music to classic rock, flamenco, and reggaeton, with confirmed artists such as Maná, Leiva, Ozuna, Chayanne, Lionel Richie, Bonnie Tyler, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Juan Luis Guerra, among many others.
And sustainability is not an add-on, but part of the event’s essence. Since 2019, Marenostrum has eliminated single-use cups and become the first plastic-free venue in its category. In its 2024 edition, it became the first music event in Spain to officially measure and offset its carbon footprint – a recognition granted by AENOR after verifying the impact of its emissions throughout the season – and doubled down on its commitment with actions such as the use of 100% renewable fuels in the main generators, solar panels to power areas of the venue, and solar-powered mobile charging stations.
In addition, the festival plants its own “Marenostrum Forest” every year as part of its emissions offset plan, and this year even the staff wristbands were made from recycled materials. The event also promotes sustainable transportation options for attendees, such as bike rentals and shuttle buses, and collaborates with local organizations to promote environmental education and awareness.
Marenostrum Fuengirola’s commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed, and it has received several awards and recognitions, including the Andalusian Environmental Award and the Malaga Environmental Award. The festival’s efforts have also inspired other events in the region to follow suit and implement sustainable practices.
But the journey towards sustainability is an ongoing one, and Marenostrum Fuengirola continues to look for ways to reduce its environmental impact and promote responsible practices. In its 2025 edition, the festival plans to introduce even more sustainable initiatives, such as using biodegradable and compostable materials for food and beverage packaging, implementing a waste management system to increase recycling, and promoting the use of public transportation for attendees.
Marenostrum Fuengirola’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just reducing its carbon footprint – it also aims to create a positive impact on the local community. The festival collaborates with local businesses and organizations, supports local artists and musicians, and promotes the region’s cultural heritage. It also works closely with the Fuengirola City Council to ensure that the event benefits the city and its residents.
In its ten years of existence, Marenostrum Fuengirola has not only become a must-attend event for music lovers but also a leader in promoting sustainable practices in the live music industry. Its Carbon Footprint Certification is a testament to its dedication to reducing its environmental impact and promoting responsible and sustainable practices. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in its footsteps and make sustainability a priority in the live music scene.