Festival PAAX GNP 2026: A Festival Where Art Finds Its Home

The V edition of Festival PAAX GNP brings together more than 100 artists from four continents for a program celebrating symphonic music, opera, ballet, jazz, and contemporary creation. A remarkable musical gathering in the Riviera Maya.

From July 23th to August 2nd, 2026, Hotel Xcaret Arte once again becomes the stage where some of the world's most celebrated artistic expressions come together in one place.

Under the artistic direction of Alondra de la Parra, Festival PAAX GNP has established itself as one of Latin America's leading cultural festivals. Its vision extends far beyond a concert series: it is an immersive experience where internationally acclaimed artists coexist with the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya and the distinctive hospitality that defines Hotel Xcaret Arte.

Festival PAAX GNP 2026 Program

Thursday, July 23

The 2026 edition opens on July 23 with the Zarzuela Gala: ¡Viva la Zarzuela!, a celebration of Spain's beloved lyrical tradition featuring Rolando Villazón and Serena Sáenz, accompanied by The Impossible Orchestra and the Madrid Community Orchestra and Choir, under the baton of Alondra de la Parra.

Friday, July 24

The following day brings one of the festival's most anticipated performances: Gustav Mahler's Symphony n.° 2 in C minor "Resurrection". Widely regarded as one of the most monumental works in the symphonic repertoire, it will be performed by Serena Sáenz, Gaëlle Arquez, The Impossible Orchestra, and the Madrid Community Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Alondra de la Parra. An evening that explores transcendence, hope, and the transformative power of music.

Saturday, July 25

On July 25, French pianist and composer Thomas Enhco presents Mozart Paradox, a recital that reimagines the Austrian composer's work through a contemporary lens, reflecting the innovative spirit that defines the festival.

Later that evening, the Darkside PAAX GNP series presents Flamenco across borders: A gaze with María Juncal.

Opera, Ballet, and Major Stage Productions

Sunday, July 26

The program continues with Carmen: The Reel Story, a new semi-staged production inspired by Georges Bizet's celebrated opera. The cast features Gaëlle Arquez, Arturo Chacón, and Tommaso Barea, with stage direction by Bárbara Lluch. The production is performed by The Impossible Orchestra, and the Madrid Community Orchestra and Choir, under the musical direction of Alondra de la Parra.

Monday, July 27

On July 27, dancers from the Joffrey Ballet take the stage in Distant Voices, a chamber ballet gala alongside musicians from La Orquesta Imposible, creating an intimate dialogue between dance and music.

Choral Music and Two Symphonies That Shaped History

Tuesday, July 28

The Madrid Community Choir presents The Color of Distance, a journey through the Ibero-American choral repertoire featuring works by composers such as Rodolfo Halffter, Xavier Montsalvatge, and Carlos Guastavino.

Wednesday, July 29

Dance returns to the main stage with the spectacular Ballet Gala: Wheeldon & Friends, bringing together internationally acclaimed dancers with The Impossible Orchestra, and the Madrid Community Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Alondra de la Parra.

Thursday, July 30

Another landmark masterpiece takes center stage with Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony n.° 9 in D minor, Op. 125 "Choral". Celebrated as one of history's greatest symbols of unity and hope, it will be performed by The Impossible Orchestra, and the Madrid Community Orchestra and Choir, and an international roster of soloists under the direction of Alondra de la Parra.

World Premieres Looking Toward the Future

One of the defining characteristics of Festival PAAX GNP is its unwavering commitment to contemporary artistic creation.

Friday, July 31

July 31 marks the world premiere of The Red Queen, a new composition by acclaimed Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, written especially for this edition of the festival. The work will be performed by The Impossible Orchestra, and the Madrid Community Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Alondra de la Parra.

Saturday, August 1

On August 1, Venezuelan musician Leo Rondón presents the world premiere of Entreverao Llanero, a work for cuatro and orchestra. The evening's program also features the iconic La noche de los mayas by Silvestre Revueltas, performed by The Impossible Orchestra, and the Madrid Community Orchestra, under the direction of Alondra de la Parra.

PAAX GNP Darkside: When the Festival Continues After the Concert

As night falls, the festival reveals another side of its personality with PAAX GNP Darkside, a late-night concert series exploring jazz, flamenco, Brazilian music, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and interdisciplinary performances.

Beginning each evening at 10:00 p.m., audiences can enjoy performances by Chipi Chacón, María Juncal, Thomas Enhco Trio, Vanessa Moreno, Chucho Valdés, Vocal Sampling, Alexis Cárdenas & Recoveco, and the Soloists of La Orquesta Imposible, creating a more intimate and spontaneous atmosphere that complements the main program.

A Finale That Celebrates New Generations

Sunday, August 2

The festival concludes with the GNP Family Symphony, a special performance alongside the Armonía Social Youth Orchestra, reflecting one of PAAX's core commitments: nurturing the next generation of musicians and bringing music closer to future audiences.

Hotel Xcaret Arte: A Sanctuary That Celebrates Art in Every Corner

At Hotel Xcaret Arte, we believe art has the power to inspire, connect, and transform.

More than simply hosting Festival PAAX GNP, Hotel Xcaret Arte is an essential part of its identity.

Conceived as a living tribute to Mexican creativity, the hotel brings together architecture, nature, gastronomy, design, and artistic expression in an environment where creativity becomes part of everyday life.

Here, art is no longer something viewed from a distance. It becomes a way of inhabiting a space, engaging with different cultures, and creating connections that extend beyond the stage. That vision makes Hotel Xcaret Arte the natural home for a festival that celebrates artistic excellence through a contemporary perspective.

Festival PAAX GNP 2026: An Extraordinary Artistic Experience

With two of history's most influential symphonies, a new operatic production, internationally acclaimed ballet performances, two world premieres, and more than one hundred artists gathered in a single destination, Festival PAAX GNP 2026 reaffirms its place among the most significant cultural events of the summer.

For eleven days, Hotel Xcaret Arte becomes much more than a venue—it becomes a place where creativity, artistic excellence, and cultural exchange come together to create an unforgettable artistic celebration in the Riviera Maya.

Whether you are a lifelong classical music enthusiast or someone eager to discover new forms of artistic expression, Festival PAAX GNP is an invitation to experience the transformative power of art.