Balamondo World Music Festival
Romagna's 'liscio' meets world music in Rimini
About Balamondo Festival
'Liscio' as World Music
The Balamondo World Music Festival is the grand summer celebration that, every September, enlivens Piazza Cavour in the historic center of Rimini, Emilia-Romagna. Born from an idea by musician Mirko Casadei, who is also its artistic director, the festival starts from a simple and powerful insight: Romagna's 'liscio' is not just dance hall music, but a language capable of speaking to the entire world. Hence the name, a play on words between the traditional "ballo" (dance) and the "mondo" (world) of international music.
A Celebration of Encounters and Dances
Each edition focuses on the idea of fusion: the Mirko Casadei POPular Folk Orchestra acts as the resident band for the evenings, intertwining waltzes, mazurkas, and polkas with world music, jazz, rock, and singer-songwriter genres. Over the years, important names from the Italian and international music scene have performed on stage, creating a dialogue between traditional Romagna instruments and sounds from afar. It's a celebration designed to be experienced standing up, dancing, with the square transforming into a large open-air dance hall.
In the Spirit of Raoul Casadei and Fellini
The festival is dedicated to Raoul Casadei, the "king of 'liscio'", and ideally carries on the legacy of a tradition that has made Romagna the homeland of popular dance. There is also a tribute to Federico Fellini, the great director from Rimini, whose spirit of joy, dreams, and affection for his homeland the festival evokes. The event is supported by the Municipality of Rimini, the Region of Emilia-Romagna, the Ministry of Culture, and Apt Servizi.
Where and When
The heart of the festival is Piazza Cavour, in the historic center of Rimini, a short walk from the new museum complex and the Galli Theater. Some collateral events, such as meetings and talks on 'liscio' and world music, are held in other locations in the city. The festival is part of Rimini's rich summer calendar of music, culture, and tradition, and is one of the most anticipated events of late summer on the Riviera.
Balamondo Festival — edition 2026
Balamondo 2026 in Rimini
The 2026 edition of the Balamondo World Music Festival is confirmed in Rimini as part of the summer programming of the Municipality of Rimini, with the usual late-summer event in Piazza Cavour. Artistic direction remains entrusted to Mirko Casadei, with his POPular Folk Orchestra as the resident band, following the formula that blends Romagna's 'liscio', world music, and singer-songwriter genres.
Currently, the 2026 tour schedule is being updated, and the detailed program for the Rimini event, including guest artists and specific evening schedules, has not yet been published. It will be announced on the official website www.balamondo.it and through the Municipality of Rimini's channels in the weeks preceding the event.
Based on previous editions, the format includes several concert evenings in Piazza Cavour with the Mirko Casadei POPular Folk Orchestra as the resident band and Italian and international guests, as well as meetings and talks dedicated to 'liscio' and world music. The lineup for 2026 will be announced by the organization.
Programme Balamondo Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition in Rimini has not yet been published: the Balamondo 2026 tour schedule is officially "under update". It will be announced on the official website www.balamondo.it and through the Municipality of Rimini's channels in the weeks preceding the event.
Based on previous editions, the format includes several concert evenings in Piazza Cavour with the Mirko Casadei POPular Folk Orchestra as the resident band and Italian and international guests, as well as meetings and talks dedicated to 'liscio' and world music. The lineup for 2026 will be announced by the organization.
Highlights Balamondo Festival 2026
Artistic direction by Mirko Casadei and the POPular Folk Orchestra as the resident band; Romagna's 'liscio' in dialogue with world music in the heart of Piazza Cavour. The 2026 guest lineup is yet to be announced.
Prices Balamondo Festival 2026
Practical information — Balamondo Festival
How to Get There
Piazza Cavour is located in the historic center of Rimini, reachable on foot from Rimini train station in about 10-15 minutes. By car, take the Rimini Sud or Rimini Nord exit from the A14 motorway, with parking available near the center. Rimini-Miramare airport is a few kilometers away.
Tickets
Some evenings are free, while concerts with seating require advance purchase (managed via Vivaticket or Liveticket in previous years) and on-site ticketing on the event days. It is recommended to check the updated procedures and prices on the official website www.balamondo.it.
Tips
Arrive a little early to find a spot in the square and be prepared to dance: 'liscio' is best enjoyed standing. Late summer in Rimini still offers mild weather, ideal for combining concerts, the sea, and exploring the historic center.
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Where does it take place — Balamondo Festival
Piazza Cavour
Piazza Cavour, 47921 Rimini