Now in its 26th year, Isla de Salsa returns to Nokonoshima Camp Village for a one-day celebration of diversity, creativity, and cultural exchange. Since its founding in 1997, the Latin Cultural Center Tiempo has brought together artists, performers, and audiences from around the world to enjoy a unique fusion of music, dance, food, and art in a resort-like setting just 10 minutes by ferry from Fukuoka City.
Known for its namesake “salsa”—not just the music, but the mix of diverse ingredients to create something new—the festival has long been a summer highlight for locals and visitors alike. In recognition of its cultural significance, Isla de Salsa received the 2024 Citizen Cultural Activity Merit Award from the City of Fukuoka.
A New Phase: From Watching to Creating
This year, the festival returns to its roots with a renewed focus on co-creation. Rather than being passive spectators, attendees are encouraged to actively participate—becoming the “spices” that give the festival its flavor. Expect spontaneous dance circles where audience members join the performers, jam sessions on the beach, and other open-participation experiences.
Headliners and Artists
Headlining is Tromboranga, a powerhouse salsa band based in Barcelona whose multinational lineup delivers high-energy performances steeped in Latin tradition. They will be joined by Nanbushiki, a performing arts troupe from southern Kyushu known for their powerful, traditional-inspired shows, and Kiyama Shoten, an entertainment family unit from Ishigaki Island that blends humor and island rhythms.
The program spans an eclectic mix of genres—reggae, Afro-Cuban, Asian traditional music, and more—offering audiences a rich world-beat soundscape. Here’s more on the other acts.
Spinna B-ILL & HOME GROWN (Reggae / Reggae-Pop)
Reggae fans, this is a treat. Singer-songwriter Spinna B-ILL brings a soulful voice and boundary-breaking energy, flowing easily between reggae, funk, and hip-hop. Backing him are HOME GROWN, Japan’s No.1 reggae band, veterans of stages from Yokohama to Jamaica’s legendary Reggae Sumfest. Together, they deliver pure island vibes with heavyweight grooves.
Kiiyamashouten (Rock / Pop)
Straight from Ishigaki Island, Kiiyamashouten mix humor, heart, and Okinawan spirit into an irresistible live show. Family-themed songs, comic banter, and island rhythms make them crowd favorites nationwide. Expect laughter, dancing, and a good dose of southern sunshine.
Soluna (Okinawa Latin)
An Okinawan–Latin duo with a big sound, Soluna weave flamenco passion, Okinawan folk, and Latin heat into something completely fresh. Whether it’s fiery guitar riffs or tender ballads, their “Okinawan Latin” style lights up stages from Spain to Seoul—and now, Nokonoshima.
Nanbu-Shiki (Street-based Performing Arts)
Massive puppets, pounding drums, and a festival that builds itself around you—Nanbu-Shiki bring Kyushu tradition to life with a raw, playful edge. From nursing homes to international festivals, they show up big (literally) and turn every space into a celebration.
Machao y Más Arriba! (Latin)
Led by Fukuoka’s own Machao, Más Arriba! is pure Latin joy in motion. With rhythms designed to get everyone moving, their sets are as inviting for first-timers as they are for salsa veterans. Simply put: if you’ve got a pulse, you’ll end up dancing.
HABANA (Ethnic Trance Music)
Think tribal beats meet underground rave. HABANA fuse sitar, didgeridoo, djembe, and heavy bass into a hypnotic, high-energy sound. Add their trademark bamboo hats and circular stage setup, and you’ve got a trance experience that’s as much spectacle as sound.
Festival Experience
The entire beach transforms into a “festival village,” with hand-crafted decorations and signs made from natural materials, creating the feeling of visiting an exotic market. International food stalls serve a variety of global flavors, from freshly grilled Argentine BBQ to the festival’s signature giant paella cooked over an open flame. Visitors can also enjoy art displays, craft workshops, and countless opportunities to meet people from around the world.
Whether you come to dance, to listen, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, Isla de Salsa 2025 offers a rare opportunity to share a day of freedom, creativity, and connection on one of Fukuoka’s most scenic beaches.
Isla de Salsa 2025 – World Beat Festival
• 9/20 (Sat.) 12:00–21:00 (start at 13:00)
• Adv. tickets: ¥6,500
• Free admission for elementary and junior high school students (accompanied by a guardian)
• Discount tickets: high school students ¥2,000 / university students under 25 ¥3,000 / people with disabilities ¥2,500 / foreign residents ¥3,500
• Tickets available via Ticket Pia (P-Code: 300-454), Lawson Ticket (L-Code: 81919), and Peatix
+ Save ¥200 – enter the code “FUKUOKA NOW” when purchasing tickets on Peatix. Valid for both General Advance and Foreign Resident tickets.
• Venue: Nokonoshima Camp Village, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: Take a ferry from Meinohama Ferry Terminal to Nokonoshima (adult one-way ¥230), then free shuttle bus to the venue
• Official website: https://isladesalsa.com/en/
• Instagram: @isladesalsa
Isla de Salsa 2025 – STAGE TIME TABLE
For a detailed schedule of all live acts click here