Festivals, Marathons, & Encuentros

After all that hard work learning to dance Tango and practicing at Milongas, we recommend joining larger events to meet and dance with new people from different parts of the world.

Festivals are typically large scale events over several days. They often include various activities such as workshops, performances, and milongas.

  • The emphasis is usually on learning.
  • The atmosphere is generally welcoming to dancers of all levels.
  • Festivals typically feature renowned Tango maestros who conduct classes and perform shows
  • They often include a broad range of DJs and orchestras.
  • It’s best to take classes with a partner you already know so you can practice with them later.

Marathons focus on social dancing, usually over a two to three day period with little or no instruction.

  • The emphasis is on dancing rather than learning
  • Participants are generally expected to have a good grasp of Tango etiquette and floorcraft.
  • Marathons generally attract more experienced dancers who have the stamina to dance for many hours.

Encuentros or “Encuentros Milongueros” are invitation or pre-registration only events that focus on traditional closed embrace style of Argentine Tango (milonguero style).

  • Typically for more experienced dancers
  • Tend to be more exclusive

Tango Holidays or Tango Tours are vacation packages organized around Tango.

  • May include a trip to a destination famous for Tango (like Buenos Aires).
  • Comes with planned activities like Tango classes, visits to famous milongas, and sightseeing.

Tango Retreats or Tango Camps are immersive events that typically take place in a rural or resort setting. A holiday of concentrated Tango learning and practice.

  •  Often last over a weekend or longer.
  • Likely includes intensive Tango classes, practicas, and milongas
  • Might include other activities like yoga, relaxation, and communal meals.

Festivals and marathons in Argentina are listed here.

Annual Festivals in BA

These are the more popular Festivals that take place every year in Argentina:

Festival Name Comment Dates
Festival de Tango de La Boca This is a free entry festival: 10 days of tango concerts, dancing, talks, and movies in La Boca November 28 to December 7, 2024
National Tango Day Festival Organized by the City of Buenos Aires December 11, 2024
D'Arienzanda Festival Tango Festival dedicated to the rhythm of Juan D'Arienzo with classes and milongas. 5 December 2024 - 9 January 2025 (Each Thursday night only)
Tango Salon Festival Inexpensive, good classes, and their nightly milongas are very good and open to everyone. January 8-13, 2025
Tango Magno Classes in English, expensive festival so most atendees are tourists To be announced
Electro Tango Festival Biggest gathering of ElectroTango dancers February 2025
CITA Largest number of classes by famous teachers, expensive, but milongas are restricted to attendees only, which are pretty much only foreigners from western countries due to the cost. It’s better to attend local milongas where you can dance with locals and everyone else. March 10-15, 2025
Lady's Tango Festival Nightly milongas are very good and open to everyone. Organized by Johana Copes. 6-9 March, 2025
Festival La Plata Baila Tango In the nearby city of La Plata, one hour from BA via car (can take Uber/Didi/Cabify/Taxi) or train. Go for at least the last night (Saturday) of the festival, which will be the most fun and the craziest Tango event you’ve ever been to! It has an intense amount of energy that you’ll never experience in any other Tango event in the world. FYI, the city of La Plata is a different place than Mar del Plata, which is famous for its beaches. 16-19 April, 2025
Tango Buenos Aires Festival y Mundial Festival for the Tango World Competition To be announced
Garufa Tango Fest A fusion of traditional and contemporary tango artists To be announced

International Festivals

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