The Istrian pearl, the city of Rovinj, is once again preparing to become a global center of rhythm and dance, hosting an incredible 5,000 dancers from 85 countries around the world. From June 9 to 16 this year, the streets, squares, and halls of Rovinj will be filled with infectious Caribbean rhythms, thanks to the twenty-first edition of the Croatian Summer Salsa Festival. Year after year, this global dance phenomenon successfully transforms this picturesque Istrian town into an epicenter of passion, movement, and genuine summer euphoria, providing an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

A Festival That Connects Continents and Erases Borders

For twenty-one full years, this unique and charming Istrian town, known for its beauty and hospitality, has been home to a festival that attracts five thousand lovers of Caribbean rhythms, salsa, and bachata. Visitors arrive from an impressive 85 countries, encompassing all continents, which only confirms the universal appeal of this event. This year's edition, themed "Havana Nights," promises an authentic touch of Cuba and the feeling of hot, vibrant summer days and nights. Throughout its eight-day duration, this summer dance sensation will bring a continuous wave of energy and positive atmosphere.

The popularity of the festival, its long tradition, and its exceptionally rich program are the reasons why, in the past month leading up to the festival's start on June 9, every ticket and available accommodation in Rovinj was sought after. Beloved by salsa enthusiasts worldwide, as well as among the local population, the festival has become synonymous with summer in Rovinj. During these eight days, Rovinj will be flooded with dance enthusiasts who can be met at every step, whether enjoying the city's sights or preparing for evening dance sessions. The anticipation is great, and the demand for accommodation is such that reservations are often made a year in advance. This fact particularly delights the local population and the tourist board, as the festival is not just an entertainment event but also a pioneer of active, creative, and cultural tourism in Croatia. Its purpose is multifaceted: enriching the dance knowledge of participants, connecting participants through dance gatherings, and promoting the beauties of the Istrian archipelago.

Due to its significant contribution to the tourist offer and the promotion of dance as a sports discipline, the festival enjoys strong and long-standing support from the City of Rovinj, the Tourist Board of the City of Rovinj, and the esteemed hotel company Maistra Hospitality Group. As of this year, the festival has been further strengthened by the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which confirms its importance at the national level. The tireless team of the domestic company Salsa Adria Produkcije d.o.o. is responsible for the organization and impeccable "recipe" of this unique entertainment event. This company, whose members themselves "live" dance, embarked on this adventure more than two decades ago, driven by genuine passion and love for dance, transforming a hobby into a globally recognized event.

Dance Locations and Rich Program

The eight-day festival program is distributed across several key locations throughout Rovinj, ensuring that the dance spirit spreads throughout the entire city. The central venue is the impressive old Adris tobacco factory, which, with its spaciousness and industrial charm, provides an ideal ambiance for dance workshops and evening parties. In addition, significant locations include the Villas Rubin tourist resort, known for its beautiful beaches and swimming pools, and the picturesque island of Sveta Katarina, which offers a unique atmosphere for dance events. The sports hall of the Zvane Črnja High School and the Multimedia Center hall are also key venues for workshops and other activities. This year, a special joy for all participants is the return of dance to the heart of the city, to the recently renovated central square, which allows for even greater interaction with the local community and tourists.

The festival's distinctiveness lies in the perfect blend of top-notch education and an unforgettable party experience. The program includes full-day workshops tailored to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, and dance floors that "burn" until the early morning hours, offering everything a dancer needs – and much more.

Education Led by World Masters

To meet the needs and ambitions of every dancer, the festival proudly hosts sixty renowned international salsa and bachata instructors. These top artists arrive from Cuba, North and South America, and various European countries, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. Through more than two hundred hours of intensive full-day dance workshops, held from Monday, June 9, to Sunday, June 15, participants will have the opportunity to hone their skills in various styles of salsa, bachata, cha cha cha, reggaeton, and other related dances. The workshops are designed for partner dancing, as well as for individual performances, covering a wide range of styles – from traditional Cuban rhythms to modern fusions.

They are adapted to different dance levels, meaning that both those with basic knowledge and experienced dancers will find challenges and inspiration. Given the arrival of the world dance elite, who particularly inspire and attract festival participants, and due to the immense interest in learning, the festival provides as many as ten dance halls that operate in parallel. For the most advanced dancers, there are also intensive "boot camps" that give them the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of fellow dancers at spectacular show evenings after acquiring new skills and rehearsed choreographies. This is an extraordinary opportunity to gain experience and share passion with the global dance community.

A Dance Pace That Never Stops: Fun from Morning to Dawn

At the Croatian Summer Salsa Festival, there's never a shortage of fun – day or night. When not busy with workshops, dancers move to the Villas Rubin tourist resort, where irresistible "beach parties" await them on three spacious dance floors located by the pool and the sea. With refreshing cocktails, sunny rays, and a relaxed atmosphere, the afternoon hours are reserved for continuous dancing and socializing. More than twenty experienced festival DJs are responsible for the perfect musical backdrop, raising the energy and maintaining the rhythm throughout the day with their sets.

In addition to on land, dancing also takes place at sea. Seven three-hour "boat parties," carefully distributed throughout the festival week, uniquely combine salsa rhythms with the experience of cruising along the beautiful Rovinj coast. The boats are transformed into floating outdoor dance floors, where music, sun, and panoramic sea views create one of the most special festival experiences. These parties are a trademark of the festival and an indispensable part of the program.

Salsa Legends and a Dance Scene Like No Other

The festival traditionally brings salsa music icons every year who hold unforgettable concerts on Wednesday, June 11, where people sing and dance in a euphoric atmosphere. This year, the audience will have the privilege of enjoying a performance by the most sought-after salsa band from Cuba – Havana D’Primera. This spectacular return to the festival scene promises a true Cuban fiesta, filled with authentic rhythms and unparalleled energy.

But when it comes to the biggest fiesta that will literally echo through Rovinj, the beloved Grande Fiesta returns to the streets. This largest open-air dance event will take place on Thursday, June 12, from 8 PM on the main, recently renovated, Rovinj square. Grande Fiesta is an event that attracts dancers, tourists, and local residents alike, transforming that evening into a moment when literally every stone of Rovinj dances and sings. In addition to live performances by a salsa band and DJ sets by festival masters, this year's program for the first time includes spectacular show performances by guest top instructors with live music. It will be the pinnacle of excitement for all present – a special experience for the audience and a great challenge for performers and musicians, who will demonstrate their impressive skills in a unique environment.

Furthermore, Grande Fiesta brings another surprise that will surely mark this year's edition of the festival – the innovative dance Mannequin Challenge. At one point, thousands of dancers and visitors from all over the world will stand in perfect silence and stillness, creating a choreographed "frozen scene" in the middle of the crowded city square. It will be an unforgettable collective moment – fun, symbolic, and with enormous potential to go viral, spreading the festival's fame worldwide.

Night Party Spectacle and Shows with Top Production

When it comes to the night program that lasts until dawn, it rightfully carries the epithet of glamorous and spectacular. Every evening, on as many as six spacious dance floors in the Adris factory, the atmosphere reaches its peak thanks to the energetic sets of festival DJs. The highlight of each evening is brought by impressive show performances by dance virtuosos, who delight the audience with their performances. These are productions at an exceptionally high level, enriched with special effects and carefully designed surprises that the organizing team prepares for the dancers. This is an experience that is not only watched but is deeply etched into the memory of all participants, providing them with unforgettable moments.

This year's festival theme "Havana Nights" and the motto "El Ritmo De Mi Vida" are also accompanied by thematic parties with special "dress codes." These "dress codes" are the (unwritten) rule of every Saturday gala evening, adding an extra dose of glamour and fun to the festival experience.

Global, Yet Ours! Creating Modern Salsa History in Croatia

Through this unique domestic tourism product, modern salsa history has been created, specifically in Croatia. Twenty-one years of playful and innovative programming continuously attract generations of dancers to Rovinj, ranging in age from 20 to even 60 years old. All of them come eager for an active vacation, a good summer time, and to connect with people from all over the world. Over two vibrant decades, Rovinj has become a place where many friendships have been born – and some have grown into lasting relationships, and even marriages. These inspiring stories continue to inspire new generations of dancers and promote the values of community, passion, and love for dance, making the Croatian Summer Salsa Festival an indispensable event on the world dance scene.