Rome Kizomba Festival - "Festa do Semba" (Weekender)

The celebration of semba in the heart of Rome

The Rome Kizomba Festival – Festa do Semba is the Roman event dedicated to kizomba and semba, the couple dances and rhythms born in Angola and now danced across Europe. Designed as a weekender—three intense days from Friday to Sunday—the festival brings together dancers, enthusiasts, and curious newcomers from all over Italy and abroad in Rome, within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital.

An "all-in-one" festival

The Festa do Semba follows an all-in-one format: lessons, shows, music, and social gatherings all under one roof. The typical program weaves together various moments throughout the weekend:

• Lessons and workshops for all levels, from beginners to experienced dancers;
• Roda de Semba, the circle where participants take turns on the dance floor to the rhythm of semba;
• Showtime with performances by artists and instructors;
• Afro and Latin entertainment and dance parties that continue until late at night;
• Social moments such as dinner and welcome social rooms.

Kizomba and semba: culture, not just dance

More than just a dance course, the Festa do Semba aims to be an immersion into Lusophone and Afro-Atlantic culture. Sensual and rhythmic kizomba, along with the more playful and vibrant semba, bring Angolan music and diaspora traditions to Rome in a festive atmosphere where different generations and backgrounds coexist. The vibe remains familiar and welcoming, true to the "como na banda" spirit of Luanda's neighborhood parties.

A traveling event between Rome and the Castelli

Throughout its editions, the event has chosen different venues in the Roman area, from resorts with pools on the outskirts of the city to conference hotels in the Aurelio district. The 4th edition, scheduled for September 2026, will be held in a hotel in the Aurelia area, convenient for those arriving by plane or car and just a few kilometers from the historic center of the capital.

Why attend

For those who view dance as a passion and a lifestyle, the Festa do Semba is the ideal opportunity to deepen their technique with masters, discover the Italian kizomba scene, and experience an entire weekend dedicated to music, dance, and social connection in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.