Rétro Festival

Swing by the sea on the Riviera di Ulisse

The Rétro Festival is the premier event for swing and vintage culture in Terracina, in the province of Latina. For four days, traditionally held on the last weekend of June, the pine forest facing the Tyrrhenian Sea is transformed into a 1930s and 40s village: a 300-square-meter dance floor beneath the pines, live swing bands, DJ sets from late afternoon until late at night, vintage fashion and design stalls, cocktail bars, and street food. The atmosphere evokes pre-war dance halls, complete with polka-dot dresses, hair pomade, and circle skirts, yet the spirit is deeply international, drawing dancers and teachers from across Europe and beyond.

From a 2018 weekend to an international festival

The event began in 2018 as a weekend dedicated to three passions: live swing, local Lazio wines, and a vintage market. Edition after edition, the formula expanded to become a true European-level dance festival. In 2025, the sixth edition welcomed over 5,000 visitors over four days, with an estimated economic impact of around 150,000 euros for local businesses—a result that has cemented the Rétro Festival as a highlight of the Pontine summer.

Lindy Hop and solo jazz workshops

The core of the festival is its educational program: five levels of Lindy Hop, from absolute beginner to advanced, and two levels of solo jazz, led by internationally renowned instructors—past editions have featured names like Skye Humphries, Frida Segerdahl, and Alice Mei. Alongside the lessons, the schedule includes open taster classes, jam sessions, talks on the African American roots of Lindy Hop, artist interviews, yoga sessions, and guided tours of the historic center, between the Temple of Jupiter Anxur and the upper village.

Live swing concerts every night

Each evening, the pine forest comes alive with live music from the best Italian and European swing ensembles. A recurring guest is saxophonist Red Pellini, who has brought his quartet, septet, and big band formations to the stage over the years, featuring musicians like Luca Velotti and Giorgio Cùscito. Between concerts, DJs take turns at the console playing original recordings from the swing era, while the dance floor under the pines remains packed until late at night.

Rétro Market, tastings, and street food

The Rétro Market brings together about thirty stalls featuring vintage clothing, accessories, vinyl records, collectibles, and crafts, complete with 1930s-style hair and makeup stations for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the era. The food area offers food trucks for every taste, from vegan options to burgers, alongside themed cocktail bars and tastings of Lazio wines. There is also a dedicated children's area, making the festival suitable for families.

A festival for the city

Promoted through the institutional channels of the Municipality of Terracina and organized by the Rétro APS association, the festival helps position the city—a pearl of the Riviera di Ulisse in southern Lazio—as a destination for quality cultural tourism. Days spent at the beach and evenings of swing under the pines: a combination that has few equals in Italy.