Tango dancers on the streets of Icherisheher, Baku Old City
19—24
June 2026
El Calor en Baku festival

International festival

Tango in Baku

Championships:

  • Metropolitango
  • Baku Tango Trophy
Baku, Icherisheher
Baku Tango Trophy Championship
Metropolitango World Cup Official Stage ChampionshipMetropolitango
Live orchestras
Gastronomy and culture week
Argentina Flag Day
Carlos Gardel Memorial Day
Embassy of Argentina in Azerbaijan
Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Administration of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve

Iconic location

Icherisheher

Old City of Baku

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

The ancient heart of Baku, surrounded by 12th-century fortress walls, becomes a space for Argentine culture during the festival. Here, among historic streets and squares, the El Calor en Baku festival brings together live tango orchestra music, milongas, masterclasses and an international championship, Argentine folklore, gastronomy, cinema and other open city events in one grand celebration.

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Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası), Baku

Take part in championships in the heart of Icherisheher

The festival hosts Baku Tango Trophy and Metropolitango Cup—cornerstones of the international competitive tango programme. The energy of the Old City gives the championships a special intensity, combining the thrill of competition, the beauty of dance and the atmosphere of a major cultural event.

Street tango performance

Learn from outstanding maestros in the city’s landmark venues

Daily masterclasses, open lessons and prácticas take place at several iconic spots in Icherisheher, including by the Maiden Tower. It is a chance not only to see the festival but to be inside it—to feel tango in one of Baku’s most beautiful and symbolic spaces.

Alleyways of Icherisheher, Baku Old City

Dance in the atmosphere of the Old City

Open masterclasses, milongas and peñas, plus evening dance events, will fill Icherisheher with the festival’s living energy. Among historic architecture, stone façades and warm evening light, dance becomes part of the city itself—beautiful, natural and unforgettable.

Historic architecture of the Old City

Discover folklore among the fortress walls

Folklore workshops, peñas and live Argentine traditions unfold naturally in the Old City. Among narrow lanes and ancient walls, this strand of the programme opens the festival wider—as a celebration not only of dance but of folk culture, rhythm, voice and genuine southern temperament.

Historic city square at dusk

Taste Argentina in Icherisheher

A market, the festival’s gastronomic events, grilled dishes and Argentine wine become part of your route through the Old City. For several days Icherisheher will live not only with music and dance but with the flavour of Argentina—through restaurants, street spaces and the mood of a great urban celebration.

Medieval streets of the Old City

Watch cinema under the open sky in the Old City

Open-air screenings and the cultural programme add new images of Argentina to the festival. Evening cinema under the sky, in Icherisheher’s historic setting, creates a special mood where culture feels not like a separate ticketed event but part of the city’s living experience.

The Best Tango Orchestras

Solo Tango Orquesta

The only European tango orchestra twice nominated for Argentina's Premios Tango — the first international tango awards — in Buenos Aires (2018 and 2019). Solo Tango Orquesta performs at Europe's leading concert halls: the Berlin Philharmonic, the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, the Moscow International House of Music, the BKZ in Saint Petersburg, Berlin's Admiralspalast, and more.

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MASTER CLASSES

Stars
of Argentine Tango

Masterclasses and lessons with leading tango teachers from Argentina, Russia, and Turkey

Neri Piliu & Yanina Quiñones

Neri Piliu & Yanina Quiñones

Argentina
Utku Kuley & Iris Kuley

Utku Kuley & Iris Kuley

Turkey
Maxim Gerasimov & Ornella Simonetto

Maxim Gerasimov & Ornella Simonetto

Russia & Argentina
Jesus & Victoria Gorgone

Jesus & Victoria Gorgone

Argentina
Metropolitango World

International Festival
Tango in Baku
Championships:
Metropolitango
Baku Tango Trophy

Friday
19
Start
Saturday
20
Opening
Sunday
21
Qualifying rounds
Monday
22
Finals
CHAMPIONSHIP
Tuesday
23
Gala Show
Wednesday
24
Closing
Baku, Icherisheher

Campeonato Metropolitango

El Calor en Baku is a Week of Argentine culture and an international tango festival that, for several days, turns the historic centre of Baku into a living stage of music, dance, gastronomy, folklore, and an open urban celebration.

Throughout the week, the Old Town fills with tango and live music, street milongas, gastronomy, concerts, masterclasses, and the international Metropolitango championship.

The festival brings together dancers, teachers, orchestras, and guests.

The festival programme is split into two parts: PRO ZONE and CITY ZONE.

PRO ZONEThe professional programme centres on the Championships: Metropolitango and Baku Tango Trophy. Competitive days, masterclasses and practices with stars of Argentine tango, milongas, and evening events for championship participants, dancers, and the international tango community.

CITY ZONEA free city programme that opens the festival to the public: open tango and folklore masterclasses in city spaces, singing with the orchestra, gastronomy, cinema, and other open events in the streets of Baku’s Old Town.

Key musical moments of the week: 20 June — festival opening concert on Argentina’s Flag Day; 24 June — concert dedicated to Carlos Gardel.

Championship categories

Metropolitango World Cup Official Stage

Judging: MetropoliTango Scoring System

National Section

Disciplines:

Vals OpenMilonga OpenTango Escenario OpenTrilogia Open

Tango de Pista:

OpenAmateursAmateurs BeginnerAmateurs SeniorMilonguerosPro-Am

International Section

Disciplines:

Vals OpenMilonga OpenTango Escenario OpenTrilogia Open

Tango de Pista:

OpenAmateursAmateurs BeginnerAmateurs SeniorMilonguerosPro-Am

Baku Tango Trophy

Judging: Skating System

Tango de Pista (3 dance Challenge)Tango BarreGroup ChoreographySolo Milonguero

Masters of musicality:

Troilo Challenge (3 songs)Di Sarli Challenge (3 songs)D'Arienzo Challenge (3 songs)Pugliese Challenge (3 songs)

Prizes

Metropolitango World Cup Official Stage

TICKETS to the WORLD FINAL

MetropoliTango World Cup

Metropolitango World Cup in Salsomaggiore Terme 1–5 July + tickets to Italy

Winning couples in the international categories Tango de Pista Open (T-O-Int) and Tango Escenario Open (TE-O-Int) qualify for the World Cup Finals — Metropolitango World Cup Finals in Italy on 1–5 July — including tickets to Italy.

Prizes, gifts, medals and trophies

Baku Tango Trophy

Valuable gifts from sponsors
Medals and trophies
Including a special trophy from Icherisheher administration for the winners
Cash prizes
Tango dancers
2026
BAKU
Global series

Metropolitango

Metropolitango is a global series of tango festivals and championships held in the world's largest cities.

The project brings dancers from different countries together, offers the chance to compete at a high level with an international jury, and immerses participants in the culture of urban tango.

El Calor en Baku is a qualifying round of the championship that opens the path to the main event in Buenos Aires.

“Metropolitango is more than a championship. It is a way to feel tango at the rhythm of a great city, where every street and every square becomes part of the dance.”

— Barbara Cicero, founder of Metropolitango

Dance, travel, and urban culture come together in one space

A contemporary tango event format that inspires communities around the world

Schedule

Festival
Program

The full El calor en Baku schedule — Argentina Culture Week and the tango championships. PRO Zone is for festival participants; City Zone is open to all city residents.

Zone:
Type:
19
Friday
Stars & Community Day
PRO Zone
For festival participants
Accreditation
Festival accreditation
09:0019:00 · Event Hall
Masterclasses
Class 1
11:0012:30 · Hall 1 · Event Hall
Masterclasses
Class 2
12:3014:00 · Hall 1 · Event Hall
City Zone
Open to all residents
Fair
“Tastes of Argentina” fair
09:0021:00 · Square in front of the Palace
Open masterclasses
Tango open classes outdoors
11:0021:00 · Maiden Tower square
Lecture
Lecture
15:3016:30
20
Saturday
Grand opening — Argentine Flag Day
For all participants
Concert
Opening concert with Solo Tango orchestra
20:0021:30 · Philharmonic
PRO Zone
For festival participants
Accreditation
Festival accreditation
09:0019:00
Masterclasses
Class 10
11:0012:30 · Hall 1 · Event Hall
Masterclasses
Class 11
12:3014:00 · Hall 1 · Event Hall
City Zone
Open to all residents
Fair
“Tastes of Argentina” fair
09:0021:00
Open masterclasses
Tango open classes outdoors
11:0021:00 · Maiden Tower square
Folklore / Peña
Folk dancing + peña
12:0018:00 · Gosha Gala
21
Sunday
Championship qualifying rounds
For all participants
Championship
Metropolitango championship — qualifying rounds
11:0021:00 · Gosha Gala / Maiden Tower
PRO Zone
For festival participants
Masterclasses
Class 16
11:0012:30 · Hall 2 · Event Hall
Masterclasses
Class 17
12:3014:00 · Hall 2 · Event Hall
Masterclasses
Practica
14:0015:00 · Hall 2 · Event Hall
City Zone
Open to all residents
Fair
“Tastes of Argentina” fair
09:0021:00
Open masterclasses
Tango open classes outdoors
11:0021:00 · Maiden Tower square
Folklore / Peña
Folk dance workshops
19:3021:30
22
Monday
Championship finals
For all participants
Championship
FINAL — Tango championships
20:0022:00 · Gosha Gala
Gala + awards
Concert
FINAL — Metropolitango championship
Open entry by prior registration
20:0022:00 · Gosha Gala
PRO Zone
For festival participants
Masterclasses
Pro masterclasses — hall 1
11:0016:00 · Event Hall
Masterclasses
Pro masterclasses — hall 2
11:0016:00 · Puppet Theatre
Milonga
Milonga + show + Argentatipica orchestra
22:3004:00 · Event Hall
City Zone
Open to all residents
Fair
“Tastes of Argentina” fair
09:0021:00
Open masterclasses
Tango open classes outdoors
11:0021:00 · Maiden Tower square
Folklore / Peña
Folk dance workshops
19:3021:30
23
Tuesday
Culture exchange day
PRO Zone
For festival participants
Other
Free day / excursions
11:0021:00
Milonga
Farewell milonga “El Calor”
21:3004:00 · Event Hall
City Zone
Open to all residents
Fair
“Tastes of Argentina” fair
09:0021:00
Open masterclasses
Tango open classes outdoors
11:0021:00 · Maiden Tower square
Folklore / Peña
Folk dancing and peña
12:0018:00
24
Wednesday
Grand finale — in memory of Carlos Gardel
For all participants
Concert
Concert dedicated to Carlos Gardel
Argentatipica orchestra
20:0021:30 · Philharmonic
PRO Zone
For festival participants
Milonga
Daytime open-air milonga
10:0017:00 · Gosha Gala
City Zone
Open to all residents
Fair
“Tastes of Argentina” fair
09:0021:00
Open masterclasses
Tango open classes outdoors
11:0018:30 · Maiden Tower square
Folklore / Peña
Folk dancing and peña
12:3016:30

Festival Program

What Else Is Included
in the Festival

El calor en Baku — choose what suits you, or take it all

Open tango lessons for everyone

Open Tango Lessons

In front of the Maiden Tower, Azerbaijani tango schools run free masterclasses during all 6 festival days. Beginners and experienced dancers can try tango outdoors in the heart of historic Baku.

Maiden Tower square
Symbol of Baku
For beginners
No experience required
Azerbaijani schools
Local instructors
Daily
All 6 festival days
Folklore program

Free folklore program

Free Folklore Program

On Gosha Gala square, there will be folklore lessons and Peña — a traditional Argentinian music event. Discover tango culture through folk dance, music, and live interaction with local and international artists. Admission is free for everyone.

Gosha Gala square
In the center of the Old City
Open to everyone
Free entrance
Live music
Peña and folklore groups
All 6 days
June 19-24
Free entrance

Master Classes

Master Classes & Private Lessons

Learn from Argentine tango legends. Our master classes are led by world stars. From fundamental technique to signature elements, gain knowledge directly from the creators of modern tango styles.

All levels
From beginners to pros
19 group classes
90 minutes each, June 19–24 — Event Hall and studios
Private lessons
Personal work with maestros
Video analysis
Review of your dance

Class schedule

Jun 1915:00-16:30
All levels
Jun 1916:30-18:00
All levels
Jun 2015:00-16:30
All levels
Jun 2115:00-16:30
All levels
Jun 2215:00-16:30
All levels
Jun 1911:00-12:30
All levels
Jun 1912:30-14:00
All levels
Jun 1918:00-19:30
All levels
Jun 2011:00-12:30
All levels
Jun 2012:30-14:00
All levels
Jun 2111:00-12:30
All levels
Jun 2112:30-14:00
All levels
Jun 2211:00-12:30
All levels
Jun 2212:30-14:00
All levels
Jun 2115:00-16:30
All levels
Jun 2311:00-12:30
All levels
Jun 2312:30-14:00
All levels
Jun 2411:00-12:30
All levels
Jun 2412:30-14:00
All levels
Group class₼65 (€35)
Private lesson₼148 (€80)-₼333 (€180)
Full schedule

Milongas

Night Milongas & Social Dancing

The true heart of the festival — night milongas in the historic halls of Baku. The traditional culture of cabeceo, tandas, and cortinas in an authentic atmosphere. Dance to live orchestras and sets by the world’s best tango DJs until sunrise.

Every night till dawn
21:00 - 05:00
Live orchestras
SoloTango and Argentatipica
Premium halls
Historic architecture
Dress code: Elegant
Create your dream look

Milonga schedule

Festival opening milongaLive music
Jun 1921:00-23:30
Grand milonga with maestros showLive music
Jun 2021:30-04:00
Open-air Grand MilongaSolo Tango Orchestra
Jun 2121:30-04:00
Milonga with maestros showArgentatipica Orchestra
Jun 2222:30-04:00
Closing milongaWith stars and orchestra
Jun 2321:30-04:00
Daytime milongaLive music
Jun 2414:00-18:00
Single ticket₼148 (€80)
Couple ticket₼267 (€144)
Milonga pass (5)₼509 (€275)
Couple milonga pass₼925 (€500)
Book tickets

Concerts

Live Orchestra Concerts

The Philharmonia will become a meeting place for the great music of tango. Argentinian orchestras will perform masterpieces of the golden era — Piazzolla, Gardel, D'Arienzo. World-class acoustics, authentic arrangements, and the emotion and passion of every note.

Baku Philharmonia
World-class acoustics
Full orchestra
12+ musicians on stage
Tango classics
Piazzolla, Gardel, D'Arienzo
Premium seating
Best seats selection

Concert schedule

Official festival openingArgentina's Flag Day
Jun 2020:00-22:00
Philharmonia
₼74 (€40)
Carlos Gardel tribute concert and festival closingTribute to a legend
Jun 2420:00-21:30
Philharmonia
₼74 (€40)
Book tickets

Comfort & care

Stay
& services

Full-service support for a comfortable festival — from premium hotels to private lessons

Book services during registration or add them later

Participation packages

Choose the option that fits how you want to join the festival

Select participation package

Select
⭐ Final tickets

Be a spectator
of the championship

Watch the world's best dancers live. Feel the passion of tango in the historic heart of Baku.

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