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| Antonio Banderas, Mia Farrow and Anne Igartiburu with the signed Ford Mondeo. 2014 |
STARLITE GALA CHARITY
The Starlite Gala is held annually (since 2010) on the first Saturday in August in Marbella at the spectacular open air auditorium and lounge of the Starlite Festival at Cantera de Nagüeles (Nagïeles Quarry on the lower slopes of Sierra Blanca mountain) The first two editions took place at Villa Padierna Hotel, Estepona whilst permissions to use the quarry were obtained.
The Starlight Gala was a platform created by Sandra Garcia-Sanjuan supported by Antonio Banderas, Maria Bravo and Eva Longoria to collect funds for the chosen charities of the three principal supporters and (it claimed at the time) to spotlight Marbella as celebritary destination. Maria Bravo and Eva Longoria, left in 2013 to start the Global Gift Gala. It was undoubtedly the most glamorous of the Marbella summer charity galas; what it had lacked in history was made up for by its spectacular location, star line-up, and high fund raising power.
The funds raised are split between the projects of the Starlite Foundation and the Lágrimas y Favores foundation, founded by Antonio Banderas which supports CUDECA.
The first seven editions together (six in Marbella and one in Mexico) raised nearly two million euros. (Previous figures collected were 2010 - 297k€, 2011 - 222k€, 2012 - 267k€, 2013/4 - 786k€, 2015 Marbella & Mexico - 423k€. By 2019 three million Euros had been distributed to the Charities. The 2019 edition was a record fundraise of 600k €. Following the 2021 editions the Foundation announced it had raised in total over the 12 years more than 3 million euros. Logistical support for the Starlite Gala is provided by Starlite (Festival) Productions which donates its on-site team and provides production assistance.
Starlite Gala 2026
The XVII editioni of the Gala Benéfica Starlite will take place on Sunday 9th August 2026 at 20:00 hrs.
Starlite Gala 2025
The 16th edition of the Starlite Gala took place on Sunday, 10 August 2025, hosted under an enchanting "Masquerade" theme in the quarry of La Cantera de Nagüeles in Marbella. Co-hosted by Starlite founder Sandra García-Sanjuán and actor Antonio Banderas, the evening doubled as a birthday celebration for Banderas (as it does occasionally). Antionio connected by video link from a film set in London while represented in person by his partner Nicole Kimpel and brother Javier Banderas. On stage, the formal presenting duties were led by Spanish actress Cayetana Guillén Cuervo and Argentine former model Valeria Mazza.
The Starlite Solidarity Awards recognized five key figures for their social commitment and philanthropic work during the 2025 gala. Turkish actor Kerem Bürsin received the Influence Award for advocating equality and social justice, while Lucy Doughty was honored with the Impact Award for her initiatives with The Doughty Family Foundation. Author and communicator Ismael Cala was presented with the Soul Award for his youth empowerment programs in Latin America and the US, Begoña Arana Álvarez accepted the Hope Award for her efforts with Nuevo Hogar Betania, and Pedro Rodríguez was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership at Fundación Sierra Blanca.
Starlite Gala 2024
The 15th anniversary edition of the Starlite Gala took place on Sunday, 4 August 2024, in the quarry of La Cantera de Nagüeles in Marbella. Hosted by Starlite founder Sandra García-Sanjuán and actor Antonio Banderas, the milestone evening was dedicated to a vibrant "Homenaje a México" theme in recognition of the country where the foundation's philanthropic projects originally began. Stage presentation duties throughout the charity event were again anchored by Spanish comedian and impressionist Carlos Latre alongside Argentine supermodel Valeria Mazza.
The Starlite Solidarity Awards honored five prominent personalities for their dedicated humanitarian efforts. Colombian singer Carlos Vives was recognized for his social development initiative *Fundación Tras la Perla* in Santa Marta, receiving his award in a surprise presentation by Hollywood actor Will Smith. Flamenco singer India Martínez was awarded for her advocacy for children's education and human rights, while actress Cayetana Guillén Cuervo received an award for her work in gender equality awareness. Philanthropist Margarita Vargas de Borbón was honored for supporting health and educational welfare campaigns, and former Argentine footballer Javier "Pupi" Zanetti was recognized for his long-standing work with *Fundación Pupi* aiding vulnerable youth.
Hollywood star Will Smith stood out as the evening's most high-profile international guest, joining Banderas at the main table and singing along during an impromptu live performance by Carlos Vives. A competitive live charity auction featured prominent lots, including a 1/5 gold-plated *Menina* sculpture created and donated by Spanish sculptor Felipao. Attendees included Nicole Kimpel, various Spanish media figures, and international donors gathered to mark the gala's decade-and-a-half milestone.
A roster of prominent international and Spanish personalities gathered in elaborate masks for the charity evening. Notable attendees included Victoria Federica de Marichalar, Paula Echevarría alongside Miguel Torres, actress Hiba Abouk, model María José Suárez, Irene Villa with David Serrato, Carmen Lomana, Countess Gunilla von Bismarck, and Princess Béatrice d’Orléans, as well as designer Custo Dalmau and Miss Universe Spain representative Andrea Valero. Musical and artistic performances throughout the record-breaking fundraising night featured Marilia Andrés, Juan Peña, Los Alpresa, and Argentine impersonator Fátima Florez.
Starlite Gala 2023
The 14th edition of the Starlite Gala was held on Sunday, 13 August 2023, transforming the quarry of La Cantera de Nagüeles in Marbella into an ethereal "Olimpo de los Deseos Cumplidos" (Olympus of Fulfilled Wishes). Co-hosted by Starlite founder Sandra García-Sanjuán and actor Antonio Banderas—who attended alongside his partner Nicole Kimpel—the gala featured a white and pastel dress code inspired by classical Greek style. The evening’s stage presentation was anchored by Spanish comedian and impressionist Carlos Latre alongside Argentine supermodel Valeria Mazza.
The 2023 Starlite Solidarity Awards recognized several prominent figures for their charitable contributions. Honorees included Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi, actor Miguel Ángel Silvestre, top model Esther Cañadas for her work fighting poverty and promoting education in India, singer Rosana, artist Domingo Zapata, and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois together with his wife Mishel Gerzig.
An extensive list of international and Spanish personalities attended the gala, including Victoria Federica de Marichalar, Paula Echevarría alongside Miguel Torres, Danish actress Brigitte Nielsen, Carla Pereyra, Cayetana Guillén Cuervo, Jordi Mollà, Santiago Segura, Carmen Lomana, and former minister Reyes Maroto. Live musical performances throughout the night featured Luis Fonsi, American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, Julio Iglesias Jr. (older brother of global pop star Enrique Iglesia), Kiki Morente, and Juan Peña.
Starlite Gala 2022
The 13th edition of the Starlite Gala—sponsored that year as the Porcelanosa Starlite Gala—took place on Sunday, 14 August 2022, in the auditorium of La Cantera de Nagüeles in Marbella. Co-hosted by Starlite founder Sandra García-Sanjuán and actor Antonio Banderas, the prominent charity evening was anchored on stage by a trio of presenters: Argentine top model Valeria Mazza, Spanish actor Iván Sánchez, and television host Luján Argüelles.
The 2022 Starlite Solidarity Awards recognized a wide array of international figures for their philanthropic commitments. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli received a special award from main sponsor Porcelanosa for his humanitarian initiatives through the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Additional honorees recognized for their charitable work included Spanish actress Ana Obregón, Cuban actor William Levy, Mexican actor Diego Boneta, Alejandra Gere (recognized for her foundation work alongside her husband Richard Gere), Spanish soprano Ainhoa Arteta, Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés, model Carla Pereyra, and British film director Roland Joffé.
A glamorous roster of celebrities and society figures attended the event, which successfully raised over half a million euros for the Starlite Foundation and Banderas's Lágrimas y Favores foundation. High-profile guests included Hollywood actor Richard Gere, Victoria Federica de Marichalar, Lourdes Montes, designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, Carmen Lomana, and Countess Gunilla von Bismarck. Following the traditional live charity auction—which featured a suit of lights worn by bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey—attendees were treated to musical performances by honorees Andrea Bocelli, Chucho Valdés, and Diego Boneta, alongside live sets from Diego Torres, Hernaldo Zúñiga, Juan Peña, and Fran Rivera.
STARLITE GALA 2021
Starlite Gala celebrated its twelth edition as before hosted by Sandra García-Sanjuán and Antonio Banderas.
Starlite Gala 2021 award winners included Javier Banderas (brother of Antonio) for his great work at the head of the foundation. Paloma Cuevas, Georgina Rodríguez, Susanna Griso, Rosa Clará, Ivan Mañero and Bertín Osborne, were the other Starlite Gala 2021 winners. In commitment to sustainability and the environment, Ecovidrio made the trophies that were given to the winners, thus supporting an ecological cause as important as glass recycling.
Present were Carmen Lomana, Paloma Cuevas, Paula Echevarria, minister Reyes Maroto, Marta Sánchez, Fernando Sanz (son of Real Madrid president), presenter Susanna Griso, María Zurita, designer Rosa Clarà, doctor Iván Mañero, Georgina Rodriguez, Terelu Campos, Jaime Martínez Bordiu, Marta Fernandez, Iván Sánchez, Florentino Fernandez, José Mota and Santiago Segura.
STARLITE GALA 2020
The 11th edition of the Starlight Gala Marbella 2020 is still went ahead as planned on Saturday 9th August 2020, despite many other Galas being cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Antonio Banderas was to be presented with an award for his work as ambassador for the World Tourism Organisations by the organisations secretary general; Zurab Pololikashvili. Unfortunately he cought Cironavirus a few days before and had to self-isolate. Other artists Ainhoa Arteta and Pitingo will be performing at the Gala.
Starlite Gala 2020 award winners had a medical theme. Awards were presented to Melchor Alvarez for leading the Covid-19 research project created by the Starlite Foundation and Proa Capital together with the University of Alcalá de Henares and the Principe de Asturias University Hospital. Paula Echevarría for her personal involvement in numerous solidarity causes including Juegaterapia and the Cris Contra el Cáncer Foundation.
Starlite Gala 2019
Starlite Gala celebrated its special tenth edition on 11th August 2019 hosted by Sandra García-Sanjuán and Antonio Banderas. The 2019 Starlite Gala beat its collection record in 2019 exceeding 600,000 euros.
Antonio Banderas and Sandra García-Sanjuán and 437 atendees, among whom were 97 celebrities from the cultural, social and business fields to raise funds for the foundations: Lágrimas y Favores, created by Antonio Banderas, and the Starlite Foundation, chaired by Sandra García-Sanjuán with the help of her husband, Ignacio Maluquer.
The famous press catwalk seemed to have no end. Personalities such as Princess Marta Luisa of Norway and host of the first Starlite Gala, Joseph Fiennes and his wife. Model María Diéguez; model and businesswoman Valeria Mazza, singers Carlos Rivera, David Bisbal and Diego Torres; Andrés Roca Rey, Anne Igartiburu, Antonia Dell'Atte, Blanca Cuesta, Borja Thyssen, Diego Pablo Simeone, Eugenia Martínez de Irujo, Fernando Tejero, Joaquín Cortés, Laura Sánchez, Loles León, Luján Argüelles, Almudena Navalón (Manuel Carrasco's wife), Paloma Lago, Rosana, Sara Baras and Vanesa Romero.
The evening was full of special moments, such as the solidarity conga. A dance on stage with the celebrities gathered. Live performances by dancer Sara Baras opening the program. Mago Pop left the audience impressed and thinking about the tricks for the rest of the evening. David Bisbal from Almeria encouraged those gathered around the Starlite Gala to sing. Bisbal sang around his table, among the people, with the only accompaniment of a piano from the stage. Diego Torres closed the event, the Argentine singer-songwriter and musician sang the chorus of 'Color Esperanza' with great emphasis on "Know that you can, want that you can."
Starlite Gala 2018
Starlite Gala celebrated its special ninth edition on Saturday 11th August 2018 brought together many well-known faces in a charity gala with which to raise funds for the Niños en Alegría and Lágrimas y Favores foundations. From Antonio Banderas, who served as host, to David Bisbal, who lead musical performances. The yellow Ford Mustang was signed by signed by Antonio Banderas and girlfriend Nicole Kimpel.
Starlite Gala celebrated its special ninth edition on Saturday 11th August 2018 brought together many well-known faces in a charity gala with which to raise funds for the Niños en Alegría and Lágrimas y Favores foundations. From Antonio Banderas, who served as host, to David Bisbal, who lead musical performances. The yellow Ford Mustang was signed by signed by Antonio Banderas and girlfriend Nicole Kimpel. On the red carpet were David Bisbal y Rosanna Zanetti, singer Ángela Carrasco, actress Adriana Torrebejano, Anne Igartiburu, Víctor Puerto y Noelia Margotón, Juan Peña y Sonia González, Valeria Mazza, Irene Villa, Isabel Gemio, singer Miguel Poveda, Carlos Latre, Gunilla von Bismarck y Luis Ortiz, Ainhoa Arteta, Fiona Ferrer, Lorena Gómez, Chayo Mohedano, Nuria Fergó, actress Vanessa Romero Carmen Lomana y Gigi, Antonia Dell'Atte, Jose Manuel Prada, Eugenia Martínez de Irujo, Juan Magan, Luján Arguelles, Pedro Trapote y Begoña García, Miguel Ríos, model Olivia Palermo, singer Juanes and last but not least Marbella mayoress Angeles Muñoz with ex Prime minister José María Aznar and wife Ana Botella. Also present were Sex in the City actor John Corbett and longtime love Bo Derek and also socialite Olivia Palermo.
Starlite Gala 2017
The Starlight Gala, will be a relatively lower profile event in 2017 on Sunday 13th August. Antonio Banderas continues his support. there will be a candle light vigil in support of musical events. Monica Naranjos attended with Manel Fuentes and Irene Villa.
STARLITE GALA 2016
The seventh annual Starlite Gala takes place on Saturday 6 August 2016 at Cantera de Nagüeles in Marbella, the open-air auditorium where the Starlite Festival is held. The charity Gala, still the highlight of the Marbella social calendar, will be hosted again by Antonio Banderas. More>
STARLITE GALA 2015
The sixth annual Starlite Gala, for the first time took place on a Sunday night; Sunday 9 August 2015 at Cantera de Nagüeles in Marbella, the open-air auditorium where the Starlite Festival is held. The charity Gala, still the highlight of the Marbella social calendar, was hosted again by Antonio Banderas, and much to everyones delight, was accompanied this year by his partner Nicole Kimple (and her twin sister Babara). Artist who performed this year were Laura Pausini, Sara Baras, el Mago Pop, Francisco, Ana Belén and Víctor Manuel. More>
STARLITE GALA 2014
The fifth annual Starlite Gala took place on Saturday 9 August 2014 at Cantera de Nagüeles in Marbella, the open-air auditorium where the Starlite Festival is held. The star-studded charity event, which is the highlight of the Marbella social calendar, was hosted by Antonio Banderas, founder of the Starlite Foundation, with special guests Mia Farrow and Carlos Slim, both of whom received special awards; Valeria Mazza and Joaquín Prat were presenters. More>
STARLITE GALA 2013
The fourth annual Starlite Gala took place on Saturday 10 August, which also happened to be Antonio Banderas' 53rd birthday! The event took place at 'Cantera de Nagüeles', the quarry turned auditorium in Nagüeles park and featured performances from Spanish singers Marta Sánchez, Alejandro Sanz and Roko and flamenco dancer, Sara Baras. Juan Peña also performed some more flamenco at the afterparty. More>
STARLITE GALA 2012
The third edition of the Starlite Gala took place on Saturday 4 August 2012. The gala was held in Marbella´s quarry turned auditorium 'Cantera de Nagüeles' and raised 267,861 euro from the sale of tickets and tables. The 2012 Gala saw the departure of Maria Bravo and Eva Longoria, who together in 2013 started a new Marbella gala: The Global Gift Gala. This year the Starlite Gala event took place within the Starlite Festival, a month of live musical performances (13th July - 14th August) by famous artists from all over the world, including: Hugh Laurie, George Benson, Tony Bennett and Julio Iglesias, among others. The Starlite Gala took place on 4th August at the 'Cantera de Nagüeles' in Nagüeles park, where all the concerts took place. More>
STARLITE GALA 2011
The second edition of the charity Starlite Gala took place at Villa Padierna Hotel, Estepona on the evening of 6 August 2011, with an after-party at Purobeach club in Estepona. Over 450 guests attended, most paying 800€ or 1,000€ each for tickets. Sponsors included Ford, Pernod Ricardo España, Fundacion Iberostar, DHL, L’Oreal and Banco Sabadell. More>
STARLITE GALA 2010
The first edition of the starlight gala took place in 'Hotel Villa Padierna Marbella' on the 7th August 2010 a platform created by Sandra Garcia-Sanjuan y Maria Bravo to unite the world of business, celebrities and philanthropy and to gather funds to improve the life of communities , families and children without resources in any location. Helped, by coincidence, by Michelle Obama's private holiday plans, the event raised substantial funds (297.634,38 Euro) for the three charities of the Starlite Gala founders. More>