By Sophia Vargas
“This world is moving, it’s very violent. Burn the natural, burn the world, burn the system, to start again..,” rapped Tania, a Metzinera, on a wooden stage. Her rhymes piled up one after another, ready to break stereotypes and confront various forms of violence, at the first edition of Lila Fest, last Saturday, May 25th, in the North Station Park in Barcelona.
As an epicenter of resistance, sisterhood, and unity, from eleven in the morning until eight at night, Lila Fest stood as a space dedicated to making visible and combating sexist violence through cultural, artistic, and community activities.
Tania’s connection with the audience came through each rhyme. Her energy and passion spread through her music, followed by Luana, another Metzinera, who took us on a journey through flamenco, reinterpreting pain and stepping into the shoes of thousands of womxn. Her performance was a testimony of resilience and reinvention, reflecting her ability to overcome adversity.
But Luana’s talent is not limited to dance. The artist also designed and made her own outfit for the occasion: a black dress with gold finishes, shiny texture, and large fringes. A Sevillian scarf completed her attire.
Like Luana and Tania, the Metzineres are protagonists in the spaces we inhabit, and this was no exception. We went to Lila Fest with a clear objective: to rock the stage and shatter stigma. Because we dream of a world where the structural causes of exclusion are eliminated and everyone has the right to a full, dignified, and violence-free life, regardless of race, class, immigration status, employment situation, or choices related to substance use, and one way to do this is through art.
Throughout the day, the festival offered a variety of activities including workshops, debates, theater, dance, live music, and exhibitions. We had the opportunity to raise our voice on “Radio Lila Fest,” a space for live programs and podcasts, where we shared with radio hosts and activists from the feminist movement.
The success of this first edition of Lila Fest has generated palpable enthusiasm for future editions. We celebrated the diverse forms of artistic expression, reaffirmed the importance of fighting against sexist violence, and building a more just and equitable world for all.
Without a doubt, Lila Fest has marked the beginning of a cultural and social revolution that will continue to grow.