AFREKETE 2025
EVENTS PROGRAM

23rd - 25th MAY 2025

Our main event sneak starts Thursday with a free warm up Rumba at the Rum-Bar at Heritage Exchange Townsville, then on the island for Friday's Welcome Ceremony, workshops & Welcome Party, our White Havana Nights event with Live Band Saturday night, and all weekend with dance and drumming workshops and culminating with our Community Day Sunday with cultural performances & live music.

Journey through the history and roots of Cuban Culture, Dance and Music in the tropics of North Queensland!

We are extra excited to bring back our Afrekete Island Edition in 2025, with some extra instalments the week leading up to the main weekend event.

The main events plus main accommodation will take place at  Amaroo on Mandalay in Nelly Bay.

Full Weekend Event Passes PLUS  Day Passes, Party-only Passes,  Workshop Taster Passes available NOW!

If Accommodation all sold out at Amaroo and you need help securing alternative accommodation please email us on afreketeaustralia@gmail.com or check out Best of Magnetic for some fantastic options for all budgets.

Amaroo contact details :
T: +61 7 4778 5200
E: frontdesk@amarooonmandalay.com.au

FULL EVENT PROGRAM (subject to change)

TUESDAY 20th MAY
6.30-8.30pm Son Musicality – Dance to Live Percussion

WEDNESDAY 21st MAY
5-7pm Afro-Cuban Culture Conference

THURSDAY 22nd  MAY
9am-1pm Optional Island Tour
7pm-10pm Pre-event Warm-up-Party Rumba in the Rum-Bar at Heritage Exchange Hotel Townsville

FRIDAY 23rd MAY
9am-1pm Optional Island Tour
1pm Registrations Open
3pm Official Opening Ceremony at Nelly Bay Esplanade
4.30-6.30pm Workshops
7.30pm Welcome to Cuba Island Vibe Party with Intro Workshop from all artists 
(Cuban Dinner available from 6.30pm)

SATURDAY 24th MAY
9.30am Registrations Open
10am-5pm Workshops

7.30pm WHITE Havana Night Party with Live Cuban Band Kekoson & DJ
(Cuban Dinner available from 6.30pm)

SUNDAY 25th MAY
10.30am Registrations Open
11am-3pm Workshops
3-7pm Community Performances, Market Stalls, Food, Celebration
7pm Closing Ceremony

Full Weekend

Workshop Program