Dénia was transformed into a lively swing dance floor this weekend as music, dancing and live jazz took over some of the city’s best-known public spaces.

The second edition of the Fishtail Swing Fest brought a weekend of Lindy Hop, jazz and live performances to Dénia from Friday September 11 to Sunday September 13, giving residents and visitors the chance to experience the energetic world of swing.

Organised by La Marina Lindy Hop, the festival was created to bring the dance style out of the classroom and into the city, combining music, dancing, social activities and the Mediterranean setting that makes Dénia such a popular destination.

Swing takes over Dénia

The festival officially got underway on Friday at L’Androna Multiespai, where registered participants gathered for a welcome class before enjoying live music from Sentimental Gentlemen and Enric Peidro Swingtet.

The action moved into the heart of Dénia on Saturday September 12, with the festival opening its doors to the wider public.

At midday, Plaça de María Hervás hosted an open introduction to Lindy Hop, giving people unfamiliar with the dance a chance to learn some of its basic moves.

The session was followed by a performance from the Fishtail All Stars, bringing experienced dancers together for a showcase of the style.

The afternoon programme continued across the city, with an open Solo Jazz class taking place at Plaça del Consell.

A marching band then added another burst of energy to the streets before dancers and spectators gathered back at Plaça de María Hervás for an evening concert by the Tropical Moon Jazz Band.

All of the Saturday activities staged in the city centre were free and open to the public.

From dance school to Dénia festival

The event is the creation of La Marina Lindy Hop, a swing dance school based in Dénia.

The first Fishtail Swing Fest was held in 2025, when the organisers introduced a larger festival format combining classes, concerts, social dancing and activities designed to attract swing fans from across Spain.

The festival is about more than simply learning dance steps. Its organisers have developed it as a full weekend experience, with live bands, workshops, different swing styles and opportunities for participants to socialise while discovering Dénia.

The official festival programme also highlights the city’s food, beaches and Mediterranean atmosphere as part of the experience.

A growing cultural event

The second edition forms part of Dénia’s wider cultural programme and received support from the city’s Department of Culture.

Councillor for Culture Raúl García de la Reina said supporting organisations creating culture locally was important, particularly when events encourage public participation and help give local associations greater visibility.

With swing music filling the city’s squares and people dancing alongside residents and visitors, Fishtail Swing Fest offered Dénia another way to extend its cultural calendar beyond the traditional summer season.

The weekend also coincided with the Al Dani Festival, creating an unusually music-filled end to the summer in the Marina Alta city.

For Fishtail Swing Fest, however, the message was simple: jazz, dancing and plenty of good vibes can turn an ordinary Dénia weekend into a celebration.

Swing dance enthusiasts looking for a sun-soaked getaway filled with rhythm, joy, and Mediterranean charm will find their ultimate destination at the Calpe Swing Fiesta. Held at the four-star Diamante Beach Spa Hotel in Calpe on Spain’s scenic Costa Blanca, this popular annual festival transforms the coastal resort into a lively sanctuary for Lindy Hop lovers from across the globe. This year, combining world-class dance tuition with a relaxed holiday atmosphere, the event will offer a unique escape where music, dance, and community come together seamlessly under the Spanish sun.

World-class dance workshops and poolside socialising in sunny Calpe

Throughout the main festival, which this year will take place from Friday, September 25 to Saturday, October 3, participants can enjoy a rich schedule of daytime activities for dancers of all skill levels. Expert international instructors will host workshops tailored to refine technique, introduce creative choreography, and build confidence on the dance floor. When dancers are not in class, the hotel’s pool area will be lively, where daytime events will provide a relaxed setting to cool off, mingle with fellow attendees, and dance to energetic swing tunes alongside the water. 

Late-night ballroom dancing with live bands and talented DJs

As evening falls during the festival days, the main highlights will unfold inside the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, which boasts a beautiful wooden dance floor ideal for late-night social dancing. Nights at the festival are defined by an electrifying atmosphere, driven by top-tier swing DJs and live performances from world-renowned musical acts such as Gordon Webster and his band. Dancers can gather to spin, dip, and swing until the early hours, creating an unforgettable backdrop of classic big band rhythms, soul-stirring jazz, and infectious energy.

When to arrive to make the most of the Calpe Swing Fiesta

Attendees often choose to extend their stay with mid-week dance passes, and the official festival website encourages interested visitors to arrive as early as Tuesday, October 22. The extended event will offer extra days of additional daytime classes, local excursions, and fun social gatherings that take dancers around the surrounding area. With full-board and half-board accommodation options available at the hotel, guests can easily pair their love of dance with luxurious spa facilities, fine dining, and peaceful strolls along Calpe’s famed golden beaches. For full registration details, schedule updates, and hotel booking information, you can visit the official Calpe Swing Fiesta website.

Whether a seasoned swing dancing connoisseur or a curious newcomer attending the festival for the very first time, this year’s edition of Calpe Swing Fiesta promises to be one of the highlights of September for local and international attendees.

The vibrant taste of Bavaria is returning to the Costa Blanca this autumn as the town of La Nucia prepares to host its popular 38th annual Oktoberfest celebration. From Thursday, October 1, through Sunday, October 11, a massive festive marquee will be established in the main car park at the Estadi Olímpic Camilo Cano, creating a lively hub of German tradition, culture, and community spirit. Admission to the venue is completely free throughout the entire festival, with visitors only paying for the food and beverages they purchase inside.

Authentic German food and popular live music

As expected, food will play a starring role in the festivities. Attendees will be able to savour classic German dishes, including authentic bratwurst sausages, slow-roasted pork knuckle, sauerkraut, roasted chicken, and freshly baked pretzels, alongside vegan options. The popular German band Steinsberger will also make an appearance at the festival, performing live musical sets under the big top to keep the festive energy high.

Festival opening times

The festival marquee will open daily from 6:00pm to 12:30am on weekdays, extending closing times to 1:00am on Friday and Saturday nights. On Friday, October 9, a regional public holiday celebrating Valencian Community Day, doors will open early at 12:00pm to accommodate daytime revelers. The venue will be closed for one day on Monday, October 5.

Motorbikes and rock concerts at Thunder Day: A high-energy biker gathering in La Nucia

In addition to traditional German entertainment, the festival features a special high-energy event on Sunday, October 4. The special “Thunder Day”, organised by Mel Custom La Nucia, is a motorcycle celebration that will kick off at 10:00am with a bike gathering and scenic group ride, followed by three energetic live rock concerts inside the marquee.

Casual walk-ins are always welcome, but groups of four or more can reserve a table in advance with a refundable deposit of €5 through the official festival website.

Residents and visitors in La Nucia this October should not miss the opportunity to take part in one of the brightest beer festivals on the Costa Blanca.