“The festival was born from the need to give something back to the residents of Can Picafort. It’s a town that grew somewhat chaotically from an urban planning perspective, and the large façades have a strong visual impact on the community. Through painting, we try to create something positive that people can feel proud of.” These are the words Joan Aguiló—its creator and organizer—uses to look back on the origins of Saladina Fest, now that ten years have passed since its first edition. During Holy Week, he’s putting the finishing touches on the façade of CIFP Juníper Serra, now featuring one of his unmistakable murals, and we take advantage of a short break to sit down and talk with him.
After a decade, the event has become part of Can Picafort’s summer calendar—a place Aguiló chose because, for him, it means home. “My father lives there, and I’ve always spent my summers in the town. Many of my childhood memories are tied to Can Picafort,” says the artist, who over the years has fostered an organic connection between art, artists, and residents of this coastal community.
“It’s important for them to understand what life is like here in winter, how it changes in summer, and our relationship with the sea.”
Ultimately, the festival’s main challenge has been, from the very beginning, to connect the town with urban art—capable of transforming its context and sparking dialogue. That’s why Aguiló invites four artists each year, offering them complete creative freedom with only one condition: that they build connections with the local residents. “It’s important for them to understand what life is like here in winter, how it changes in summer, and our relationship with the sea.” And that’s exactly what happens: for one week, they live together, share impressions, and, of course, create their works on a very particular canvas—the façades of hotels and residential buildings throughout the town.
Artist selection, Aguiló explains, usually moves in two directions. Sometimes he knows exactly who he wants to invite; other times, it’s the façade that naturally fits a specific artist. Either way, once everyone gathers on the island, Saladina Fest kicks off with a day dedicated to the community, featuring children’s workshops, concerts, DJs, and food trucks. Local students also come to observe the creative process. “A child who came when they were 8 is now 18, and it’s rewarding to think they’ve grown up learning something about painting, art, and public space.”
“The goal was to create a family-friendly festival without the ambition to grow endlessly, avoiding overcrowds of people who aren’t truly interested in art or the environment.”
Over the years, the festival has evolved. Its first editions took place in October, but the dates shifted to summer to take advantage of the good weather and people’s desire to spend more time outdoors. More collaborators have joined, and logistics have improved, “but the essence remains intact,” Aguiló assures. “The goal was to create a family-friendly festival without the ambition to grow endlessly, avoiding overcrowds of people who aren’t truly interested in art or the environment.” A purpose aligned with the work of the Mallorcan artist, who constantly explores island identity through the intimate moments that define us as a community.
Deeply rooted in its surroundings, Saladina Fest will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2027—its 2020 edition was canceled due to the pandemic—and Aguiló is already planning something special. “I’d love for some artists to come back to revisit their works or lead open sessions and share experiences, but I still need to shape it,” he says with a smile.
Meanwhile, all his energy is focused on Saladina Fest 2026: Ana Langeheldt (Seville), Ernest Zacharevic (Lithuania), Marta Lapeña (Madrid), and Jarus (Canada) will leave their mark on emblematic buildings across the town, each offering their own interpretation of who we are—how they see and understand our identity. An aesthetic exercise that transforms space and, above all, fosters social cohesion and dialogue. Mark your calendar for this unmissable event: from May 30 to June 6 in Can Picafort.
At Travel to Zero by Proa Group, we are proud to once again sponsor Saladina Fest.
