International superstar leads a powerful first day at Galicia’s biggest music festival
O Son do Camiño 2026 officially opened its doors in Santiago de Compostela with one of the most anticipated performances of the year. Global pop icon Katy Perry took center stage at Monte do Gozo, delivering a spectacular show that drew thousands of music fans from across Spain and beyond.
The opening day of the festival transformed Santiago into one of Europe’s major live music destinations, combining international stars, Spanish artists and emerging talent in a lineup designed to attract audiences of all ages. The presence of Katy Perry marked one of the biggest moments in the festival’s history, reinforcing O Son do Camiño‘s growing reputation on the international music scene.
Fans began arriving hours before the gates opened, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement around the Galician capital. Hotels, restaurants, tourist accommodations and local businesses benefited from the influx of visitors, highlighting the festival’s increasing importance as a driver of tourism, hospitality and economic activity in the region.
Katy Perry’s performance featured many of the songs that have made her one of the best-selling artists of the 21st century. The singer combined powerful vocals, elaborate stage production and visual effects in a show that quickly became one of the most talked-about events of the summer festival season.
Alongside Perry, the opening day also showcased several major Spanish artists and emerging performers, offering a diverse musical experience that blended pop, rock, electronic music and alternative sounds. This variety has become one of the defining characteristics of O Son do Camiño, helping it attract both local audiences and international visitors.
Monte do Gozo once again proved to be the perfect venue for a large-scale music event. Located just outside Santiago de Compostela and closely linked to the Camino de Santiago, the site offers a unique setting where culture, tourism and entertainment come together.
The festival has become much more than a music event. It now represents one of Galicia’s most important cultural showcases, attracting visitors who often combine concerts with sightseeing, gastronomy, rural tourism and visits to the historic center of Santiago de Compostela.
Organizers expect attendance figures to remain strong throughout the weekend, with several internationally recognized artists still scheduled to perform. The combination of global stars and emerging talent continues to position O Son do Camiño among the most successful music festivals in Spain.
The event also highlights Galicia’s growing role in the international festival market. Over the last decade, the region has become increasingly attractive for major concerts, cultural events and tourism experiences, drawing visitors from across Europe and North America.
For many attendees, Katy Perry’s appearance was the defining moment of the opening day. Her performance combined energy, emotion and a strong connection with the audience, creating an unforgettable start to what promises to be another successful edition of O Son do Camiño.
As thousands of fans filled Monte do Gozo under the Galician sky, the message was clear: O Son do Camiño has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s premier music festivals, and Katy Perry’s spectacular opening-night performance will be remembered as one of its standout moments.
