Hosted in Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage city shaped by more than 2,000 years of history, the Mérida International Jazz Festival brings jazz to extraordinary Roman-era settings and modern performance spaces. From the Temple of Diana to Trajan’s Arch and the Mérida Congress Palace, the festival blends headline concerts, community programming, and youth-focused events in venues that feel truly one-of-a-kind. Mérida is an ideal anchor for a Spain itinerary that balances music, culture, and walkable city logistics. Build your experience around festival nights, add workshops and local cultural experiences, and explore Extremadura’s landscapes, cuisine, and historic sites. Extensions to other Spanish destinations can also be added for a broader trip. Mérida International Jazz Festival 2026 Programming Dates: March to June 2026 2026 Festival Programming The Mérida International Jazz Festival unfolds across several of the city’s most distinctive performance spaces, with programming spread throughout the spring and early summer. Rather than concentrating activity in a single venue, the festival moves across historic landmarks and modern halls, creating a rhythm that encourages exploration of the city alongside the music. Mérida Congress Palace Evening concerts at the Mérida Congress Palace serve as a focal point of the festival’s formal programming. Performances here typically begin at 8:30 PM and feature full concert presentations in a modern, acoustically refined setting. This venue offers a more traditional concert hall experience and provides a strong contrast to the outdoor sites used elsewhere in the festival. Typical concert dates: March 7 and April 25Start time: 8:30 PM Temple of Diana The Temple of Diana hosts some of the festival’s most atmospheric events. Set in the heart of the city, this Roman monument becomes an open-air stage for evening programming. Concerts here emphasize the connection between music and place, with performances unfolding against one of Mérida’s most recognizable historic backdrops. Programming at the Temple of Diana generally takes place in the evening, with start times around 7:00 PM for earlier events and later concerts beginning at approximately 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM. Trajan’s Arch Square Late spring performances extend into Trajan’s Arch Square, where concerts begin around 9:00 PM and invite audiences to experience jazz in a lively, public setting. These evenings feel more informal and social, blending seamlessly into Mérida’s nighttime atmosphere while still remaining a core part of the official festival program. Typical dates: Late May through JuneStart time: 9:00 PM Festival Week Experience The festival is designed to be more than a concert series. Alongside public performances, the week typically includes masterclasses, lectures, and jam sessions that bring together jazz students and professional musicians. Programming spans multiple styles, including jazz, blues, gospel, and Latin jazz, with activity distributed across the city rather than limited to a single stage. Collaboration with the “Esteban Sánchez” Conservatory of Mérida The festival collaborates with the Esteban Sánchez Conservatory to strengthen its educational programming and spotlight local musical life. These activities vary from year to year, but typically include joint concerts, guest artist masterclasses, educational conferences, and special projects that support learning and exchange. What’s Included High-quality, centrally located hotels Dedicated tour manager throughout your trip Private motor coach (as needed by routing) Daily breakfast and selected dinners Basic protection plans included for all travelers 24/7 emergency support Adjudicators & Clinicians Raul Miguel Festival Director One of the most complete and versatile musicians on the musical scene in our country. Director of the Autonomous University of Madrid. Miembro de la academia de artes escénicas y actualmente profesor del Conservatorio Esteban Sánchez de Mérida. Alfonso Ramos Artistic Director Flautist and conductor with a distinguished career in chamber and orchestral music. He has collaborated with numerous orchestras such as the Gulbenkian Orchestra of Lisbon and the Extremadura Orchestra, in addition to directing the OSCAM project since 2008. Trained by renowned teachers, he has been a professor at the Esteban Sánchez Conservatory since 1992. Ready to start planning? Contact our team or fill out the form below and we’ll help you plan a Mérida-centered Spain trip that fits your goals, your budget, and your calendar. Mérida