Festival and Travel Planner 2025

[Al Israel]

This is not significantly better given the fact that for other festivals organizers are actually able to get decreased or at least unchanged prices for the hotels (for example, the price I paid for Magic in January seems to be standard for the hotel).
And for ElSol it's getting worse - they announced the room prices for next year, single room at main hotel costs 361 euro for 3 nights instead of the 341 it cost this year. Meanwhile, I can go to the hotel's website right now and book the same 3 night stay for the weekend prior to ElSol's for ~253 euro.
There is no justification for jacking up the price by 50%! Doesn't matter if it's the organizer taking a cut or the hotel management being a**holes - in that case, you don't work with them and find a normal venue. It's not as if there is anything particularly good about this hotel apart from the decent (by European standards) air conditioning. Everything else was average.

same method has been done by them for years and years. At the Sangate they jacked up by 100%.

 

[miko4560]

Ok, I hate to be a party pooper here, but shall we get back to the declared topic of this thread?
So, Latinfestival Stuttgart review it is, for all those of you who haven't asked but will still read.
I think this is my favorite German event now. I attended parties and workshops Friday to Sunday and as far as I am concerned, there wasn't one bad thing about this event and lots of good things. First and foremost, apparently I have a huge overlap in artist preference with the organizer as he consistently invites some of my favorite dancers. He has a good mix of more established as well as up-and-coming artists and the whole thing is rather NY/mambo heavy, though more with a modern twist. The event has the perfect size for my liking: not too big, not too small (though I'd be in trouble if you asked me to quantify that - I have no idea what the numbers are here). I really enjoy the main location, it has a lovely atmosphere and great floor, though, admittedly, it was very packed in the early hours of the party (or so I heard, because I chose to nap and show up for the best part: last 2-3 hours of the party). The Sunday location (their dance school) is also nice and perfect in size for the Sunday party (though its location may be not perfect for those without a car and the floor is a bit slow but manageable). Music was mostly great about 80-90% of the time. There was one DJ I think I liked less (I think he was announced as DJ Anael?...), Rumbero always stands out for me, Dmitri played some really great tunes, so did Michelle but with the caveat that sometimes, for my liking, some of the tracks on Saturday drifted a bit too much into too cheesy, rather modern romantica. Then again, with several DJs behind the deck at all times it's sometimes hard to distinguish who is playing what and, again, about 80-90% of "great" is an almost unheard of ratio in my books. As is typical for German events the ratio was a bit skewed towards followers but overall pretty decent and I don't think anybody lined up to dance with Terry But yes, the best leads were usually grabbed right from the middle of the dance floor, at least on Saturday. I had lots of wonderful dances, so it all worked out for me personally.
The workshops ran smoothly, everything was on time, everybody showed up where they needed to be and when they needed to be there, every instructor I experienced was super professional and seemed to care about their students' experience. I, personally, liked the workshop schedule a lot, there was an unusual abundance of boogaloo, chachacha, and pachanga classes for all different levels, and everybody seemed to enjoy that a lot. Frankly, I didn't need the "battle" part of it, but it was just about 15 minutes and probably makes for good promotional material, so I'm fine with that.
I haven't seen the shows, in some cases I must say unfortunately, because there were lots of those I'd actually love to see: Yari & Diego, Ashley & Elian, Diego & Elian, Michelle & Brandon, Jose & Nerea, Meraki DC and Esteban's solo show. But I prioritised naps, so there's not much I can say about those. I think they started a bit late and at least of Friday I heard the quality of the shows wasn't all that great. But I haven't heard any complaints about the length of the show blocks or excessive MC'ing (despite Farid being the MC ).
Oh, ok, since we like to nitpick things and I kinda need to find something to improve on, I guess I should mention that at least non-alcoholic beverages were a bit on the pricier side: €4.60 for a 0.5l bottle of water in the main location and €3 for 0.3l glass of filtered water in the dance school on Sunday. So, there you go, found something to complain about But, honestly, when everything else is just right, as in this case, I'm kinda fine with it. That makes my overall expenses over the weekend maybe 10-15€ more, which is laughable in the grand scheme of things. And while bringing your own drinks was, of course, prohibited during the parties, it wasn't enforced and I've seen plenty of people drinking from their own bottles. And, btw., the full pass, in comparison to other festivals and given the line-up with mostly US-based artists, was very affordable - I think I bought mine for just under 120€ (with a discount code) just a few months ago.
So, with this being my second consecutive year in this event and given its trajectory, I'l definitely block the first December weekend of next year and hope to be there.

Thanks for the review this makes me consider this event next year since it's easy to reach by car from my area. I'm surprised you're unenthusiastic about Anael though. He's known to always deliver amazing sets when on the decks.

 

[Smejmoon]

I'm surprised you're unenthusiastic about Anael though. He's known to always deliver amazing sets when on the decks.

He's loved by many, but he's also a mood killer for many. He can play nice set and kill party vibe at the same time, while pro djs can play mainstream set and improve party vibe, go figure.
I think it might be the case that's not rare amongst non pro djs, that they play bangers they like for themselves. The half an hour of power. This is interesting once or twice to me. Afterwards I try to skip such DJs.

 

[MamboJazz]

So, Latinfestival Stuttgart review it is, for all those of you who haven't asked but will still read.

Funny, so you've been there friday till sunday, while I was there only for thursday preparty. The reason I decided against going there the weekend was that I had quite good local partys on friday and sunday where I knew people, while thb I felt too often lost at festivals in a crowd of unknowns. And saturday I didn't expect it to be good enough, fearing MC Farid and too mainstream vibe, which you somewhat acknowledged.

But I went for thursday preparty because I knew the location from august (Stuttgart Dance Marathon) and I really liked that disco-style location (smaller in size but big enough). It was the same location as for the sunday party. Unfortunately it turned out there was nobody - that is exactly 12 persons: I can say I danced with every follower. One of the dozen was a female star and I had several dances with her, but I was hoping for more, of course. Normally prepartys are a good bet, but this time not.

The Sunday location (their dance school) is also nice and perfect in size for the Sunday party (though its location may be not perfect for those without a car and the floor is a bit slow but manageable).

Why not perfect without car? It is 300 m from the Bad Cannstatt train station. I came by train and it was perfect without car.

How many people where there at sunday party? After my thursday deception I didn't want to give it another try.

Maybe see you next august in the same location for Dance Marathon?

Stuttgart is traditionally stronger in cuban salsa and I never went there for social (would be very far for me as well), but as DJs Dmitri and Rumbero live there they do also have some interesting mambo festivals.

 

[desconocida]

...And saturday I didn't expect it to be good enough, fearing MC Farid and too mainstream vibe, which you somewhat acknowledged.
...
Why not perfect without car? It is 300 m from the Bad Cannstatt train station. I came by train and it was perfect without car.

How many people where there at sunday party? After my thursday deception I didn't want to give it another try.

Maybe see you next august in the same location for Dance Marathon?

Stuttgart is traditionally stronger in cuban salsa and I never went there for social (would be very far for me as well), but as DJs Dmitri and Rumbero live there they do also have some interesting mambo festivals.

1) Again, a misunderstanding. I don't think I acknowledged a "mainstream vibe". The vibe was overall perfect, it was isolated songs that I didn't like personally, and only towards the very end of the party (maybe they did try to get rid of us, it was past official closing time, I think).

2) I don't know how well Stuttgart public transportation system functions on a Sunday night, especially past 12 o'clock, but I guess most out-of-towners don't love having to rely on public transportation they're not familiar with in the night. So, 'perfect' would have been close to the main location where most people booked their hotels. This wasn not exactly 'perfect', but obviously, not a dealbreaker, neither.

3) I'm really bad at estimating numbers, but I'm sure you must have seen some videos from Sunday as well. I'd say it was pleasantly crowded: you didn't have to fight for space but there were sufficient dancers overall. I left some time around 2:30-3, I think, and the party was still very much alive and kicking.

4) Don't think I'll attend the marathon, it's not exactly my cup of tea.

 

[desconocida]

Thanks for the review this makes me consider this event next year since it's easy to reach by car from my area. I'm surprised you're unenthusiastic about Anael though. He's known to always deliver amazing sets when on the decks.

I wouldn't be able to tell with 100% certainty that it was him playing the songs I didn't like, because, as I said, somehow there were at least two DJs behind the deck at all times and if you don't specifically watch them, it's hard to tell whose turn it is. I think I liked Anael's set on Sunday, but on Friday and Saturday there were some very weird picks, some of which I attributed to Michelle, and some to him. I think, for instance, he played some (for me very unpleasantly sounding) version of "Baile Inolvidable". So, maybe the set overall was really good, and I haven't noticed because I was busy dancing, but the few I actively disliked (again, very few overall, much fewer than in most other events) were exactly when I paid attention.

 

[MamboJazz]

2) I don't know how well Stuttgart public transportation system functions on a Sunday night, especially past 12 o'clock, but I guess most out-of-towners don't love having to rely on public transportation they're not familiar with in the night. So, 'perfect' would have been close to the main location where most people booked their hotels.

Funny I become an advocate for Stuttgarts public transport (I never use): there is a train going once an hour through the night, it's a 5 min train ride from one location to the other 4 km away. It was difficult to find out schedules in the past, but nowadays Google Maps shows you all connections within seconds: great innovation when you are in unknown areas.

3) I'm really bad at estimating numbers, but I'm sure you must have seen some videos from Sunday as well. I'd say it was pleasantly crowded: you didn't have to fight for space but there were sufficient dancers overall. I left some time around 2:30-3, I think, and the party was still very much alive and kicking.

So I was just betting on the wrong horse by going to thursday party. Ok, I took a notice for next year. Always good to know there are good options.

 

[Kim Lori]

The floor was slanted: Only the middle of the dance floor was straight. both ends were noticeable not straight.

Dancing level was mostly ok: I think there weren't enough people and I've heard from others that they didn't enjoy it because of the size and level. We had quite a few people only show up for 1 or 2 of the evening and nothing more.

I think the dancing hours need to be adjusted a little bit as well. Hours were 3pm to 3am.

Thanks - consistent with what I have been hearing (and never heard of a slanted floor!). So I'm leaning toward Zagreb Salsa Marathon and welcome any insights as they come in. and Yes, I am an "On 2" dancer and assumed that most Europeans dance mambo / On 2.

 

[azana]

Sure, here's my Madrid salsa list for weekends (I prepared it for some possible Madrid weekend in the future, but haven't been there yet):

Fridays: La Mandinguera (Casa del Campo, Metro Lago). 4 salsa, 2 bachata.
Saturdays afternoon: Sandunga, salsa only for the on2 crowd (Leganes, Metro Sur "Casa del reloj") - but not each saturday, check "sesionsandunga" on instagram for info.
Sundays: Jowke Latin (Alcorcon): said to be the biggest venue in Spain, 2 rooms salsa and bachata.

All three events happen before midnight, which is rather unusual in Spain, but for me a plus.

Some other places info here:

Madrid archivos - LatinDancesMadrid

www.latindancesmadrid.com

Mind that in Madrid bachata sensual is big, most events will play it more than salsa.

This is great . I’ll be there this weekend (currently in Andorra). Just have some dumb questions … By “four salsa, two bachata”, is that rooms or songs in a row? Does the Friday event tend to be on1 or on2? Thanks!

 

[Smejmoon]

Thanks - consistent with what I have been hearing (and never heard of a slanted floor!). So I'm leaning toward Zagreb Salsa Marathon and welcome any insights as they come in. and Yes, I am an "On 2" dancer and assumed that most Europeans dance mambo / On 2.

Zagreb marathon had really good vibes 2 years ago. I assume organization is better since it's 3rd edition now. Could become too popular?
Do you lead or follow?
Most Europeans don't dance on2, most good ones will, if you can handle that. If you care about it, there are targeted events with on2 in the name.

 

[MamboJazz]

This is great . I’ll be there this weekend (currently in Andorra).

Unfortunately this weekend there will no sesion sandunga on saturday. It's only every two weeks.

Just have some dumb questions … By “four salsa, two bachata”, is that rooms or songs in a row?

It means 4 salsa songs, then 2 bachata songs.
Did you ever see a venue with 4 salsa rooms and 2 bachata rooms?

Does the Friday event tend to be on1 or on2? Thanks!

Probably both. When I was there it was preparty to the mambo festival.

 

[azana]

It means 4 salsa songs, then 2 bachata songs.
Did you ever see a venue with 4 salsa rooms and 2 bachata rooms?

Probably both. When I was there it was preparty to the mambo festival.

Yeah, I thought so, but it’s an unusual thing to advertise. Good - I dislike it when there’s one or two salsa, then as soon as you’ve worked out who’s worth asking and manoeuvred yourself into a position to pounce, the music changes. Not too keen on mambo (no offence ; I’m simply not good at it). I prefer on1.

I do think Otterpotter needs to go to Madrid this weekend

 

[1derpalm]

This is great . I’ll be there this weekend (currently in Andorra). Just have some dumb questions … By “four salsa, two bachata”, is that rooms or songs in a row? Does the Friday event tend to be on1 or on2? Thanks!

I went to malaga pm the only day there was no salsa, bilbao where there is no salsa and madrid on the night with no salsa.

 

[MamboJazz]

This is great . I’ll be there this weekend (currently in Andorra). Just have some dumb questions … By “four salsa, two bachata”, is that rooms or songs in a row? Does the Friday event tend to be on1 or on2? Thanks!

So how was it in Madrid? Did you visit Jowke on sunday?

 

[azana]

Got ready for the Friday and went to the place. It no longer existed. Was so ready to dance and in desperate need of a salsa fix, so was in the depths of despair. I didn’t like to say anything as I didn’t want you to feel bad… I was reluctant to be scarred again and the info I could find on the Sunday was that it wasn’t necessarily all salsa and wouldn’t start until 11, and I had to be at the airport the next morning, so I left it go. Consoled myself with 18km early morning runs along the Manzanares (yes, they give me almost the equivalent of a salsa high ) and way too much Madrid retail therapy on the Gran Via.

I really understand how 1derpalm was feeling! This is my second consecutive long overseas trip when I couldn’t go out dancing .

Now dreadfully jet lagged in Melbourne but wanting to go to the Sunday social tomorrow. But the jet lag is awful, and while it’s a great band scheduled, it’s an MA tribute night. Will think about it, from my salsa despair state …

 

[Offbeat]

Got ready for the Friday and went to the place. It no longer existed. Was so ready to dance and in desperate need of a salsa fix, so was in the depths of despair. I didn’t like to say anything as I didn’t want you to feel bad… I was reluctant to be scarred again and the info I could find on the Sunday was that it wasn’t necessarily all salsa and wouldn’t start until 11, and I had to be at the airport the next morning, so I left it go. Consoled myself with 18km early morning runs along the Manzanares (yes, they give me almost the equivalent of a salsa high ) and way too much Madrid retail therapy on the Gran Via.

I really understand how 1derpalm was feeling! This is my second consecutive long overseas trip when I couldn’t go out dancing .

Now dreadfully jet lagged in Melbourne but wanting to go to the Sunday social tomorrow. But the jet lag is awful, and while it’s a great band scheduled, it’s an MA tribute night. Will think about it, from my salsa despair state …

Unless it has several weekly socials, when traveling opportunities can be hit or miss. Once I was in Barcelona for 10-12 days. Went to three or four salsa events. All were very disappointing. The first was a salsa social but level was low and half the songs were bachata. This was before BS. The level of bachata was low too.

The next three events were Cuban salsa (couldn’t tell from the event name or description). There were less than 10 people dancing.

Sometimes stars aligned. I have been in a city for two or three days. And the salsa social happened to be on one of three days.

It is best to plan travel itinerary around festivals for salsa fix.

 

[Chris_Yannick]

It is best to plan travel itinerary around festivals for salsa fix.

Hmm. That sounds depressing.

I've always just used local Facebook groups to find salsa events. Then sent a quick PM to the owner of the fb page to inquire about the event, and this was in smaller cities than Barcelona.

As much as I use the forums, Intel on the local scenes should be cross-checked online or through PMs. Best to have a contact in the dance scene you're travelling to.

Forums messages don't count.

But the fb method has worked quite good for me. If there is an online flyer with dates, times and just the name of one person (like the DJ) , the chance of it being legit is higher.

I think only once I went to some place that didn't exist (gps led me into a forest) but that was from a flyer-less event and sounded sketchy from the beginning. But I became quite good at networking once I got to a party during my traveling days.

Finding pure Salsa parties without Bachata has always been a challenge, though.

I am not convinced that Salsa festivals taking over the spotlight locally is a good thing. Local scenes get quickly abandoned if they have to rely on festivals.

Finding a good consistent weekly party is still the holy grail in this age.

 

[MamboJazz]

Got ready for the Friday and went to the place. It no longer existed. Was so ready to dance and in desperate need of a salsa fix, so was in the depths of despair. I didn’t like to say anything as I didn’t want you to feel bad… I was reluctant to be scarred again and the info I could find on the Sunday was that it wasn’t necessarily all salsa and wouldn’t start until 11, and I had to be at the airport the next morning, so I left it go.

Sad to hear this. I checked their insta page now and the last announced parties at La Mandinguera were in september, afterwards it apparently was shut down (there is no notice about it). The bad thing is clubs always make a big fuzz when they open up but nearly never write a posting when they shut down: they don't give a sh*t if people show up in vain (supposing locals will know anyway). Happened to me similar many years ago when I stood in Belgrade in front of a closed bar with broken windows. That's sad when one was looking forward to dance.

I've always just used local Facebook groups to find salsa events.

They mostly didn't work for me, I can't find valuable information there, instead announcements from other cities. Most venues have moved to instagram, the more updated information is now there.

Then sent a quick PM to the owner of the fb page to inquire about the event

I never got a response on FB, I guess nobody reads them. Not even theDanceHouse answers FB question postings, they are all unresponded.

 

[azana]

Happened to me similar many years ago when I stood in Belgrade in front of a closed bar with broken windows. That's sad when one was looking forward to dance.

The Belgrade scene is Cuban (with weird timing I struggled to follow) and not overly friendly and inviting (with exceptions, of course) so you didn’t miss too much .

While I don’t do FB or Insta myself, I do check sites for up to date info. FB was very useful for Cyprus and Insta for Dubai, although the most useful Dubai page is now inactive. It’s hit and miss. Venues and socials just change so regularly. I’m completely out of the loop for Osaka now, and that’s where I learned to dance and spent most of my salsa ‘career’.

Well, Sunday social in Melbourne with a rotation of live bands has been going forever at least

 

[1derpalm]

The Belgrade scene is Cuban (with weird timing I struggled to follow)

Is it like on 3 or 5? Or do you mean the timing of the turns?