The controversy surrounding the Ciudadella Fest's future in Alcorcón continues to escalate. After Vicente One More Time announced in an interview with this outlet that the festival would not take place this year and blamed the municipal government, the Councilor for Culture and Festivities, Miriam Benítez, responded by defending the City Council's decision. Now, the DJ and entrepreneur has released a new video, addressing the councilor's latest statements point by point.
The dispute began when Vicente confirmed that the Ciudadella Fest would not be part of the upcoming patron saint festivities. He explained that he had requested meetings with the City Council to discuss the event's organization but alleged that the Culture Councilor "has not wanted to receive me." The promoter also defended the event's history, stating it had featured international artists, exemplary organization, and recognition from the Municipal Police and Firefighters, asserting, "I believe Ciudadella has been an example of a festival. There hasn't been a single complaint."
“"I will continue to be an entrepreneur, a radio host, and a DJ. You will be a politician as long as the people want"
In his response, Vicente One More Time vehemently denies censoring artists and explains that the intervention during a rap concert was due to damage caused to the stage truck. He asserts that the organization adhered to agreed-upon schedules and that the previous two editions of the festival incurred losses. He accuses the City Council of creating obstacles and ignoring his meeting requests, concluding with a direct message to the councilor: "I will continue to be an entrepreneur, a radio host, and a DJ. You will be a politician as long as the people want."
For her part, Miriam Benítez had defended the City Council's decision, citing a commitment to a different festival model with free, decentralized activities compatible with neighborhood rest. She indicated that resident complaints about noise and the handling of pro-Palestine demonstrations during the last edition were decisive factors. The councilor denied a cancellation, stating, "You cannot cancel something that was not scheduled."
Regarding noise complaints, One More Time apologizes to affected residents but contrasts the situation with other municipal events. On the issue of Palestinian flags, he rejects the censorship accusation, stating, "We did not censor any artist." He explains that the removal of flags and slogans was due to "vandalous behavior" rather than political censorship, although he declares his personal opposition to Netanyahu's actions.
The promoter also accuses the councilor of "lying" about communication, claiming he had been trying to meet with her for months. Despite the dispute, Vicente One More Time maintains that the festival will not take place in Alcorcón this year but leaves the door open for its return in the future in another municipality. "To the fans of Ciudadella, I say we will return, someday. I don't know if it will be here or elsewhere," he stated, recalling his entrepreneurial and cultural career in the city.
