Alcoy is hosting a distinctive swing capital moment in the Valencian Community for the remainder of the week. The event, a jazz-infused celebration, will fill the city’s streets, venues, and public spaces from Thursday through Sunday with the ninth edition of the Return of Winter festival. This festival has matured into a professional showcase while preserving its lively spirit, with music and dance taking center stage to create an extraordinary atmosphere throughout the days ahead.
The festival was officially launched this Wednesday with a presentation led by Pilar Molina, the director, and Elisa Guillem, a member of the Alcoy Cultural Council. They were joined by organizer Armand Mauri and dance teacher Luis Martínez, who play active roles in coordinating the activities. Guillem highlighted swing as a social dance that attracts large numbers of participants at public events, noting its energetic atmosphere and the broad appeal that helps draw crowds to open dancing experiences.
Guillem also emphasized the breadth of the festival’s program, which includes talks, workshops, dance performances, concerts, and even guided tours of Alcoy for visitors. Molina later detailed several key components: a series of open social dance sessions that welcome anyone interested, scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays at 13:00 in Plaça de Dins. Concerts are planned for the festival period, such as Swing 26 on Friday at 19:30 at Sport Passion bar and Círculo Industrial, along with an afternoon gathering on Saturday at 17:00 at La Voltereta bar, among other happenings.
The festival organizer stressed that participation is growing, with more than 500 people already registered for different events and expectations rising toward 600 as the weekend approaches. The event is presented as a platform for local performers to gain visibility, showcasing Alcoy as a vibrant hub for swing enthusiasts not only in the region but across the Valencian Community. This momentum places Alcoy among the largest swing communities in Europe, a point of pride for residents and visitors alike. [Source: Alcoy Cultural Council]