Sicilian SwingAge Festival
Three days of swing, Lindy Hop, and jazz culture on the beach of Mondello
About Sicilian SwingAge Festival
Swing returns to Palermo
The Sicilian SwingAge Festival is the event that brings the international culture of swing, Lindy Hop, and original jazz to the heart of Sicily. Promoted by the ASD SwingAge Palermo association with the patronage of the Sicilian Region, the festival takes place in Mondello, the historic seaside village of the Municipality of Palermo, inside the Alle Terrazze venue—a symbol of Belle Époque architecture overlooking the gulf.
Three days to the rhythm of swing
For three consecutive days, dancers, musicians, and enthusiasts from all over Italy and abroad share workshops, performances, social dancing, and moments of historical insight. The program alternates intensive Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz lessons divided by level, jam sessions, competitions, and long dance nights with live orchestras, in an atmosphere reminiscent of the frantic jazz clubs of the thirties.
International instructors and bands
The dance floor hosts some of the best instructors on the global swing scene, with couples and performers from the UK, USA, Argentina, Brazil, France, and Italy. The musical lineup features live ensembles such as the Billy Bros. Swing Orchestra (Pescara), the Hot Swing Sextet (Bordeaux), and the band of pianist Luca Filastro, accompanied by DJ sets that animate the dance nights by the sea.
Tribute to Norma Miller
The festival maintains a special bond with Norma Miller, the legendary African American dancer nicknamed the "Queen of Swing," who held one of her last memorable concerts in Palermo. Each edition dedicates a tribute to her, retracing her extraordinary life through stories, images, and dedicated moments, remembering how swing was also a movement of emancipation and inclusion.
Mondello and the Sicily that dances
Dancing at sunset on the beach of Mondello, with Monte Pellegrino in the background and the sea just a few steps away, is the experience that makes this Sicilian event unique. The festival combines a passion for dance with the discovery of Palermo and its flavors, turning an April weekend into a journey through swing culture in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Sicilian SwingAge Festival — edition 2026
The second edition confirmed Palermo as an international swing capital. World-class instructors and performers took to the Mondello dance floor, including Charlotte Middlemiss & Joseph Sewell (UK), Juan Villafañe & Sharon Davis, Stephen Sayer & Karine Hermes, and Jean-Charles & Joyss, alongside the Sicilian Karen Fantasia.
The live soundtrack was provided by the Billy Bros. Swing Orchestra, the Hot Swing Sextet, and the Luca Filastro band, while the dance nights were animated by DJs Lady Swing, Big Mama, and Fabio Lancini. The edition paid homage to Norma Miller with a tribute dedicated to her life and legacy.
Programme Sicilian SwingAge Festival 2026
Program April 10-12, 2026
- Friday, April 10 — opening, first workshops, evening social dancing with live band and tribute to Norma Miller
- Saturday, April 11 — intensive Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz workshops by level, jam sessions, competitions, grand dance night with orchestra
- Sunday, April 12 — final workshops, lectures on swing history, closing social dancing
Instructors: Charlotte Middlemiss & Joseph Sewell, Juan Villafañe & Sharon Davis, Stephen Sayer & Karine Hermes, Jean-Charles & Joyss, Karen Fantasia.
Bands: Billy Bros. Swing Orchestra (Pescara), Hot Swing Sextet (Bordeaux), Luca Filastro Band.
DJs: Lady Swing (Pescara), Big Mama (Modena), Fabio Lancini (Milan).
Highlights Sicilian SwingAge Festival 2026
- Special tribute to Norma Miller, the Queen of Swing
- International instructors from the UK, USA, Argentina, Brazil, and France
- Three live bands and DJ sets for dance nights
- Social dancing by the sea at the Belle Époque Alle Terrazze venue
Prices Sicilian SwingAge Festival 2026
Practical information — Sicilian SwingAge Festival
How to get there
The Alle Terrazze venue is located on Viale Regina Elena, on the Mondello seafront, about 11 km from the center of Palermo. By car, it can be reached from Viale Regina Margherita; by bus, AMAT lines connect the city center and the station to Mondello. Palermo-Punta Raisi Airport is about 30 km away.
Tickets
Participation is via Full Pass, Lindy Pass, or Party Pass, with registration opening on the official website. Accommodation agreements (e.g., Addaura Village) are available at discounted rates.
Tips
We recommend booking workshops and accommodation early, given the international turnout. April in Mondello offers a mild climate ideal for outdoor social dancing.
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Where does it take place — Sicilian SwingAge Festival
Stabilimento Alle Terrazze (Mondello)
Viale Regina Elena, 90151 Palermo