The Istrian peninsula, known for its rich history, gastronomy, and crystal-clear sea, will this weekend become the epicenter of hot Latin American rhythms. Namely, this Saturday, July 12, 2025, the picturesque town of Umag is transforming into a spectacular open-air stage, hosting one of the most anticipated events of the season as part of the "Umag(o) Summer" festival. This is "Latino Summer Nights," an evening dedicated to dance, music, and positive energy that will, without a doubt, attract numerous lovers of sensual movements and infectious melodies. Starting at 9:00 PM, the main town square, Freedom Square, will become a dance floor under the starry sky, offering an unforgettable experience to all visitors and residents of this beautiful city. A night filled with passion, rhythm, and socializing awaits us, a night where hearts will beat in sync with music that connects continents and cultures.

Umag as the Center of Summer Entertainment

Umag once again proves itself as a leading destination for summer events on the west coast of Istria. The "Umag(o) Summer" festival traditionally enriches the city's tourist offer, providing a diverse program that satisfies the tastes of all generations. From classical music concerts and rock gigs to theater performances and children's workshops, summer in Umag pulses with life. "Latino Summer Nights" represents the pinnacle of this offer when it comes to dance and interactive entertainment. The organizers have recognized the global trend of the popularity of Latino dances and decided to provide citizens and their guests with an authentic experience. Freedom Square, with its spaciousness and the beautiful ambiance of old town facades, is the ideal location for such an event. The transformation of the square into a dance oasis allows visitors to surrender to the rhythm in the very heart of the city, creating a unique synergy between historical architecture and contemporary entertainment. This is not just another summer night; this is an opportunity to experience the pulse of the city in a completely new way.

Musical Magic with DJ Fabris

In charge of the musical selection and maintaining the heated atmosphere throughout the evening is DJ Fabris, a name well-known on the Istrian music scene. His reputation is based on an extraordinary sense for the audience and the ability to create a dynamic and fluid musical story. For this special evening, DJ Fabris is preparing an exclusive selection of the best Latino hits that will take you on a musical journey from the Caribbean to Angola. His task is not just to play music; he is the conductor of emotions on the dance floor. By carefully selecting songs, he will build energy, alternating between fast and energetic rhythms and those more sensual and slower, ensuring that every dancer, regardless of experience level, finds something for themselves. His set is expected to cover a wide range of genres, from classic salsa and bachata tracks to modern remixes and lesser-known, but equally danceable rhythms. His expertise guarantees that the music will not be just a background, but an active participant that invites movement and celebrates life.

The World of Latin American Dances Under the Stars

The core of the "Latino Summer Nights" event lies in three dances that have conquered the world: salsa, bachata, and kizomba. Each of them carries its own unique story, energy, and emotion, and together they create a perfect array of dance styles for a summer night.

Salsa, the queen of Latino dances, was born from the fusion of Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms in New York. It is synonymous with energy, passion, and joy. Its fast spins, intricate footwork, and dynamic interaction between partners make it visually attractive and incredibly fun to dance. Salsa is not just a dance; it is a social phenomenon that connects people and celebrates life energy. In Umag, on Freedom Square, the sounds of trumpets and percussion will invite dancers to surrender to the whirlwind of movement and feel the pure happiness that salsa provides. Whether you are an experienced "salsero" or a complete beginner, the infectious rhythm will make you move.

Bachata, a dance that comes from the rural areas of the Dominican Republic, tells a completely different story. In its beginnings, it was the music of broken hearts, a dance of melancholy and longing. Today, bachata has evolved into several styles, the most popular of which is the sensual style that emphasizes close contact and fluid hip movements. It is a dance of intimacy and connection, where partners communicate tenderness and passion through movement. The music is romantic, led by a guitar and a distinctive rhythm. On this Umag summer evening, bachata will bring a dose of romance and sensuality, allowing couples to connect on a deeper level and tell their story on the dance floor.

Kizomba, often called the "African tango," originates from Angola and is a dance that has experienced planetary popularity in the last decade. It is characterized by extremely smooth, grounded movement and a very close embrace. Kizomba is a dance of leading and following, where partners move as one body, and the music, with a pronounced bass and a slower tempo, creates an almost hypnotic atmosphere. It is a dance of deep connection and trust, where there is no room for ego, only for a shared sense of rhythm. The arrival of kizomba on the dance floors in Umag brings a touch of the exotic and provides an opportunity for dancers to explore a new dimension of partner dancing, one that is subtle, elegant, and incredibly emotional.

An Invitation for All Lovers of Good Vibrations

What makes "Latino Summer Nights" special is its openness and inclusivity. This is not an event reserved only for professional dancers or members of dance schools. On the contrary, the invitation is extended to everyone – young and old, experienced and those who will take their first dance steps that very evening. The main idea is to create a space filled with positive energy, where people can relax, have fun, and meet new friends who share the same passion for music and dance. You don't need to know the steps; it is enough to come with an open heart and surrender to the rhythm. The atmosphere of a summer evening in a beautiful Istrian town, surrounded by smiling faces, is the perfect backdrop for creating new memories. The organizers emphasize that this is an evening for people of "good vibes and great energy," inviting everyone to leave their worries aside and simply enjoy the moment. Whether you come to dance all night or just soak up the atmosphere with a drink, you are welcome to be a part of this unique celebration of summer, dance, and togetherness in the heart of Umag.