Dénia gets into the swing as festival brings jazz to its streets

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.