Starlite Occident Marbella 2026 is hiring more than 1,000 workers for this year’s edition as organisers prepare for another huge season on the Costa del Sol.
The festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this summer, has opened applications for jobs lasting up to five months across areas including hospitality, logistics, security and catering.
This year’s event will run from June 19 to August 29 in Marbella.
Organisers say they are seeking staff for a wide range of positions including:
- bartenders
- waiters
- runners
- hosts and hostesses
- ticket office staff
- parking assistants
- cooks and kitchen assistants
- maintenance workers
- security personnel
- drivers
- logistics coordinators
- shop assistants
- reservation staff
- administrative employees
Applications can be submitted through the festival recruitment portal.
The company said the festival represents a major employment opportunity for workers on the Costa del Sol, with more than 90% of employees reportedly coming from the local area.
According to organisers, around 70% of workers return each year – a figure they described as ‘exceptional’ for the sector.
Face-to-face interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place between May 27 and 29 at Marbella’s Congress Palace.
Beyond music and celebrity glamour, organisers also highlighted the festival’s major economic impact on the region.
According to a report cited by the company, the total annual economic impact of the festival exceeds €315 million once spending by both organisers and visitors is included.
The event also claims to generate the equivalent of around 6,450 full-time jobs annually when indirect employment linked to hotels, restaurants, transport and retail is taken into account.
Organisers say the festival attracts more than 350,000 attendees, nearly half of whom come from abroad.
However, despite its strong revenues and international profile, Starlite faced financial pressure last year after reports emerged that the company had increased its bank debt and delayed payments to suppliers and staff due to cash-flow problems.
According to reports published earlier this year, its parent company Starlite Music Group made an early repayment of €8 million in bank financing, which reportedly affected its liquidity position and financing lines.
The company later acknowledged delays in payments to suppliers, wages, Social Security and tax obligations, although founder Sandra Garcia-Sanjuan insisted the business had implemented measures to improve liquidity.
‘Starlite may pay late, but it always pays,’ she said at the time, adding that many suppliers had continued working with the festival for over 15 years.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
