Swing Eruption – Catania Summer Fest

A swing celebration in the shadow of Mount Etna

Swing Eruption – Catania Summer Fest is a landmark event for the Italian and international swing scene. Established in 2023 by Danz Officina, a Lindy Hop school based in Catania, the festival draws dancers from across Europe to the Etnean capital each year, allured by the blend of dance, live music, sea, and Sicilian culture. The name itself plays on the local identity: a swing "eruption" exploding in the shadow of Mount Etna.

Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, and Aerials

The heart of the festival lies in its educational program. Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy Lindy Hop workshops across multiple levels (from improvers to advanced), Solo Jazz classes, and Aerials modules, focusing on the spectacular acrobatic figures of swing dance. Instruction is provided by world-class teachers, some of the most prominent names in the global African American dance scene, complemented by open taster classes and a Mix and Match competition accessible to everyone.

Evenings with live music

At night, the festival moves to the dance floors overlooking the coast: orchestras and bands specializing in 1930s and 40s swing alternate with DJ sets for social dancing that lasts until the early hours. The formula combines high-quality instruction with the relaxed atmosphere of a beach holiday, with beach access included in the passes.

Catania, city of sea and volcano

The festival takes place in the Municipality of Catania, Sicily, along the city's coastline. Its location, nestled between the UNESCO-listed Baroque historic center and the beaches of La Plaia, makes Swing Eruption much more than just a dance gathering: it is an opportunity to discover one of the Mediterranean's most vibrant cities, from its traditional fish market and street food to excursions up Mount Etna. A combination that has made the Catania Summer Fest a highly anticipated date on the swing enthusiast's calendar.