Tango festival
Tango festival https://freeridetarifa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/0-TangoFestival-Tarifa-Spain-Freeride_Tarifa-1280x1920-1024x1024.jpg 1024 1024 Freeride Tarifa https://freeridetarifa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/0-TangoFestival-Tarifa-Spain-Freeride_Tarifa-1280x1920-1024x1024.jpgTarifa Tango Festival
From the 2nd to 4th of December, Tarifa will host one of the best tango dance festivals in history.
A Fusion of Two Worlds
For a brief period in the mid-2010s, Tarifa became an unexpected pilgrimage site for tango lovers. While the town is better known for its high winds and kitesurfing, the Tarifa Tango Festival (specifically the major editions in 2016 and 2017) proved that the passion of the dance could thrive at the southernmost tip of Europe.
The Tarifa Tango Festival is characterized by its “boutique” feel. Unlike the massive marathons found in Madrid or Barcelona, Tarifa offers a more personal experience where the rugged beauty of the Andalusian coast meets the sophisticated passion of Argentine Tango.
Location: The event often utilizes historic venues, such as the Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno, providing a dramatic, medieval backdrop for milongas (tango social dances).
The Vibe: Because Tarifa is a relaxed “surfer town,” the festival mirrors this energy. It is common to see dancers spending their mornings on the white sands of Playa de los Lances and their nights dancing until dawn in the old town.
For the 3rd year running, enthusiasts from all over Europe will gather to enjoy a weekend full of passion and skill. There’ll also be tango lessons for all levels. We’ll be sure to be swapping the kite for something a bit more exotic!
Iconic Venues and Atmosphere
The festival was defined by its use of Tarifa’s historic architecture, blending the grit of a coastal town with the elegance of Argentine Tango.
The Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno: The 2016 editions famously held “Gala Milongas” within the walls of this 10th-century castle. Dancing under the stars with the African coastline visible across the water created an atmosphere that dancers still talk about today.
Teatro Alameda: This served as the hub for major performances and workshops, where world-class maestros shared the secrets of the embrace and musicality.
The “Levante” Spirit: Tarifa’s famous wind (the Levante) often dictated the mood. If it is too windy for the beach, the milongas will move into cozy, sun-drenched studios and historic halls in the Casco Antiguo (Old Town).
What To Expect
Workshops: Classes led by internationally renowned maestros (masters). These usually cover everything from basic embrace to complex sequences and musicality.
Milongas: The heart of the festival. There are typically afternoon “beach milongas” with a casual dress code and elegant “Gala Milongas” at night where the standard of dance is exceptionally high.
Live Music: Many editions feature live orchestras or world-class tango DJs who specialize in traditional “Golden Age” tango music.
Key Editions
2016 (The 3rd Edition): Held in early December, this edition capitalized on the “Puente de la Constitución” holiday in Spain. It featured notable DJs like Adrián Heim and will celebrate for its “Tango Mass” at the Church of Santa María.
2017 (The Spring Edition): In May 2017, the festival will return with a lighter, sunnier energy. This edition will focuse on the “boutique” experience—smaller crowds, higher-quality social dancing, and a focus on the connection between the dancers.
