ELLA Festival 2025 Returns to Mallorca: Celebrating Queer Diversity, Culture, and Empowerment

This summer, the internationally-renowned ELLA Festival returns to Mallorca, welcoming LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people from around the world to the Balearic Islands for eight days of culture, music, activism, and community. From August 29 to September 6, 2025, attendees will experience a program packed with conferences, workshops, performances, and social activities designed to foster empowerment, visibility, and joy among queer communities.

Now in its ninth edition, ELLA Festival has become a cornerstone event for LBTQ+ (lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer) women and non-binary individuals seeking a welcoming and affirming environment. The festival’s return to Mallorca, a location celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant local culture, marks a triumphant continuation of ELLA’s commitment to inclusivity and global LGBTQ+ solidarity.

The official inauguration will take place on the rooftop of Palau de Congressos de Palma, kicking off a week of festivities with a blend of entertainment, art, and community spirit. Attendees can anticipate a powerful opening speech from Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, known affectionately as Lady Phyll, co-founder of UK Black Pride and a leading LGBTQ+ activist in the United Kingdom. Her address is expected to set the tone for an event deeply rooted in empowerment, visibility, and intersectionality.

The opening night will also feature performances by acclaimed artists such as Sheela Gathright, whose live set promises to energize and inspire, and international drag queen Ruda Puda, renowned for her multilingual shows that embrace diversity and joy. The evening will be further enlivened by a lineup of top international DJs, including Katie Kace (Austria), DJ Pamela (Sweden), DJ Delva (Argentina), and DJ ALX (Netherlands), ensuring a soundtrack as diverse as the festival’s attendees.

Festival-goers can expect a full sensory experience with visual art exhibitions, multimedia installations, and interactive moments such as an exclusive photocall and videography to commemorate the night. A dedicated LGBTQ+ merchandising stand will offer community-themed goods, reinforcing the event’s celebratory and inclusive atmosphere.

Over the course of the festival, ELLA’s agenda includes a rich mix of activities designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of interests and identities. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in:

- *Conferences and Talks:* Featuring international speakers, activists, and thought leaders addressing key issues facing LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people today, including intersectionality, health, rights, and creative expression.
- *Workshops and Wellness:* From creative arts and photography to sexuality, health, and gender, sessions led by experts such as Irene Aterido (Spanish sociologist and sexologist) offer education and personal growth.
- *Sports and Outdoor Activities:* Beach days, yoga, and innovative workouts—such as the music-driven Pound workout—encourage wellbeing and connection in Mallorca’s beautiful natural surroundings.
- *Music and Entertainment:* Nightly performances by international artists and DJs ensure a continuous celebration of queer talent.
- *Social Events:* Speed-friending meetups, cocktail hours, and exclusive parties provide space for new friendships and lasting memories.

ELLA Festival’s commitment to diversity extends beyond entertainment. The event serves as a vital platform for visibility and advocacy, foregrounding voices and experiences often marginalized within mainstream LGBTQ+ spaces. By centering women, non-binary people, and intersectional identities, ELLA fosters a sense of belonging and agency, encouraging attendees to celebrate their authentic selves and build solidarity across borders.

The festival’s programming reflects a holistic approach to LGBTQ+ empowerment, blending celebration with education and activism. International guests and artists are selected for their contributions to art, sports, and social change, making each edition a unique convergence of inspiration, talent, and progress.

The island of Mallorca, with its turquoise coastlines, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, provides a picturesque and inclusive backdrop for ELLA Festival. Palma, the capital, is renowned for its LGBTQ+-friendly venues, making it an ideal setting for an event devoted to celebration, community, and connection.

Festival packages and hotel recommendations are available to suit a variety of needs, ensuring accessibility for international guests and newcomers. The ELLA Global Community app offers updates, guidance, and ways to connect before and during the festival, further enhancing the sense of belonging.