Otaku world returns to Vitoria with Expotaku festival

The Iradier Arena will host anime, k-pop, and cosplay enthusiasts on April 18 and 19 with a diverse program of activities.

Generic image of a vibrant atmosphere at an anime, k-pop, and cosplay festival.
IA

Generic image of a vibrant atmosphere at an anime, k-pop, and cosplay festival.

The Iradier Arena in Vitoria-Gasteiz is set to host the Expotaku festival once again on April 18 and 19, bringing together fans of anime, k-pop, cosplay, manga, and video games for a celebration of Asian culture.

Hundreds of people who share a passion for Asian culture, particularly Japanese, are expected to attend this annual event. The festival will open its doors on Saturday, April 18, at 10:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM. On Sunday, April 19, it will operate from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The 3,000 square meters of the Iradier Arena will feature video game tournaments with titles such as Naruto, Mario Kart World, and Pokémon Scarlet. There will also be 'geek weddings,' various workshops, spicy ramen challenges, and cosplay contests. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a K-pop area, a photocall, the Cosplay Valhalla, and a Star Wars zone.
Tickets are available on the official festival website, priced at 9 euros for one day and 16 euros for both days, with special passes for families and friends. Participation in the workshop and board game areas requires registration, and organizers have stated that sign-ups will only be accepted for the same day, without advance reservations.
The detailed program for both days includes stage events, video game tournaments, creative workshops, and a board game library with a wide selection of titles. The K-pop area will offer dance and music activities, while a training space will cover Japanese language initiation and the social use of video games.