From tango to timba: Global grooves ignite Byron Latin Fiesta

CUBAN dance instructor Osmani Segura and celebrated kizomba duo Rico Suave and Manon Batrel are among the international artists set to dazzle audiences at the 2025 Byron Latin Fiesta, taking place later this year.

Running from October 30 to November 2, the vibrant festival offers a dynamic mix of Afro-Latin dance workshops, performances and social dance events.

Festival director Sky Blue, who grew up near Lismore, began learning ballet as a child before discovering Latin dance while travelling in her late teens.

“I loved the energy of it,” she said. “It’s very uplifting and positive and so I decided that’s what I wanted to pursue, and I have worked with it ever since.”

Kizomba dancers Rico Suave and Manon Batrel are coming to the Byron Latin Fiesta. RIGHT: Osmani Segura will perform at the Byron Latin Fiesta. Photos: SUPPLIED

Though she later moved to Sydney and then Melbourne, Blue frequently returned to the north coast for holidays and occasionally taught workshops during her visits. She launched the Byron Latin Fiesta in 2006.

“I was really inspired by the Latin scene back then,” she said. “I love the culture, the music, the food – everything about the Latin world, and there wasn’t much going on on the north coast back then. I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be great to bring more of this to the local area?'”

Since its inception, the festival has grown alongside the local Latin American community. “Every time I go up there, I hear Spanish and Portuguese in the street all the time, so we try to tap into that as well,” Blue said. “Last year we had a Brazilian food stall and a guy doing tacos.”

People dancing at the Byron Latin Fiesta. Photo: SUPPLIED

This year’s lineup promises to be a highlight, with Segura — known for his blend of Cuban dance styles including salsa, afro, timba and reggaeton — bringing his unique energy to the event.

“He’s quite funky and will be a great drawcard,” Blue said. “Rico and Manon are based in France, but they teach a style of dance called kizomba which is a bit like the tango but with an African feel.”

Early bird passes for the 2025 Byron Latin Fiesta are available until May 31.

For more information and tickets, visit byronlatinfiesta.com.au