EUROPALIA ESPAÑA: Goya’s timeless oeuvre remains a source of inspiration

Spain takes centre stage at the 30^th edition of the arts festival EUROPALIA, with the painter Francisco Goya as its main source of inspiration. For many years, our FPS has been a loyal partner to EUROPALIA because it brings countries closer together through art and culture.

Belgium maintains excellent relations with Spain. And not just in a historical sense. One in 4 Belgians spends their holidays in that Mediterranean country and many have a second home there. But what do we actually know about its culture?

100 events

40 years ago, Spain had already been highlighted at the arts biennial EUROPALIA. At that time, the country was a fledgling democracy and it was still grappling with the aftermath of the dictatorial Franco regime. A year later, it would be incorporated into the European Union.

Over the past 40 years, so many things have occurred that EUROPALIA felt the time was right to once again showcase Spain. To that end, the arts festival harkens back to famous painter Francisco de Goya (1746-1824) as its main focus and inspiration.

Around 100 events featuring approximately 170 artists, spread across Belgium at more than 80 venues, highlight the cultural richness of Spain through visual arts, architecture, theatre, dance – with a touch of flamenco! -, music, performance, film and literature.

Light and Shadow

The main exhibition is ‘Luz y sombra. Goya and Spanish Realism’ (Light and Shadow), taking place at Bozar. Although the Spanish great master Francisco de Goya is primarily known for his dark themes and style, he was in fact remarkably versatile. For instance, he also excelled at impressive portraits and colourful folk scenes.

The exhibition at Bozar brings together Goya’s paintings, drawings, and engravings with works by his contemporaries and by artists of later generations, alongside new multidisciplinary creations.

Quirks, Madnesses, and Disasters of War

But Francisco de Goya also inspires the other events at EUROPALIA. The painter lived in a time of crisis, transformation and paradigm shifts, with all the insecurities and possibilities that this generates – a time surprisingly similar to our own. That was reflected in, among other things, 3 series of engravings: Caprichos, Disparates y Desastres de la Guerra (Quirks, Madnesses, and Disasters of War).

For instance, the Caprichos represent inspiration, originality, and a free attitude towards social and cultural conventions. In turn, the Disparates engravings display absurd, grotesque, surreal or irrational situations linked to social criticism. Finally, Francisco de Goya’s Desastres depict the horrors of war and violence, challenges that we currently face as well. They offer more than enough material to inspire dozens of events!  

Attention for young people

Europalia is also making extra efforts to reach young people who have difficulty accessing art and culture. And for students aged 10 to 12, the festival – together with publisher Pelckmans – developed a free modular teaching package with which teachers can bring Spanish art and culture into the classroom. In this way, children are introduced to cultural diversity at an early age and learn to understand it.

Europalia also brought together 40 young dancers from Brussels and Antwerp to develop a choreography based on the 'spirit of Goya'. The resulting dance performance can be seen at various locations, including the Central Station in Brussels.

Explore the multifaceted programme and select your favourite events! The arts festival EUROPALIA ESPAÑA runs from 8 October 2025 till 1 February 2026.