King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain officially opened Europalia España in Brussels on Tuesday, marking the start of a four-month celebration of Spanish culture across Belgium. The royal couple visited Bozar to inaugurate Luz y Sombra. Goya and Spanish Realism, thestival’s central exhibition.
Running from 8 October to 1 February, the exhibition spotlights Spanish master Francisco de Goya (1746-1828) alongside more than 70 other artists, including Picasso, Sorolla, and contemporary names such as Marisa González and Asunción Molinos Gordo. Curators Rocío Gracia Ipiña and Leticia Sastre Sánchez explore themes of humour, social critique, and identity, showing how Goya’s legacy continues to shape modern Spanish art.
Beyond Bozar, the 30th edition of Europalia features over 100 events across 80 venues, covering visual arts, theatre, dance, music, film, and literature. Around 170 artists are taking part, in partnership with leading cultural institutions such as KVS, KMSKA, Concertgebouw Brugge, and S.M.A.K.
This year’s edition also marks 40 years since Europalia first celebrated Spain.
Ahead of the opening, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were received by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde at the Royal Palace in Brussels.
Europalia España runs until 1 February 2026.
Queen Mathilde, King Felipe VI of Spain, King Philippe and Queen Letizia of Spain during a visit to the exhibition Light and Shadow: Goya and Spanish Realism of the Europalia España arts biennial © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
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