Rockin’ Race Jamboree 2025: a time travel to the golden 1950s in Torremolinos

A leap back in time

The first time I visited the Rockin’ Race Jamboree, I had no idea what hit me. I walked into Torremolinos, and it felt as if I had accidentally stepped through a time portal. Everywhere I looked, men in tailored suits with slicked-back hair and women in flowing petticoats and polka-dot dresses filled the streets. The deep thump of a double bass rumbled across the square, while the scent of freshly polished chrome and sweet pomade lingered in the air. This wasn’t just a festival – this was a time travel experience.

Once again in 2025, from February 5 to 9, the clock will be turned back. For five days, Torremolinos will be flooded with rockabilly enthusiasts from all over the world. Dancing continues deep into the night, classic Cadillacs cruise past, and everywhere you go, the driving rhythm of a slap bass fills the air. This festival isn’t just a nostalgic look back—it’s a full-on revival of an era where music and style meant everything.

A mouth-watering lineup

Music lovers are in for a treat. This year, the Rockin’ Race Jamboree celebrates its 31st edition with a lineup that reads like a love letter to rock ‘n’ roll. Expect performances from iconic artists like Nick Lowe, The Cactus Blossoms, and Los Straitjackets.
I still remember how I was completely swept away the first time—the twangy guitars, the sizzling saxophones, my feet instinctively tapping along to the beat. No elaborate light shows or digital effects, just pure, raw rock ‘n’ roll the way it was meant to be. Close your eyes, and you’re back in a smoky club in Memphis, somewhere in 1956.

Personal tip: Make sure to arrive early for the performances at Auditorium Municipal Príncipe de Asturias and Hotel La Barracuda. These are the hotspots where the magic truly comes to life!

More than just music

Rockin’ Race isn’t just a festival where you listen to music—it’s one where you completely immerse yourself in it. As you stroll through the streets of Torremolinos, you’ll notice that every single detail is spot on:

• An exhibition of classic cars, where Chevrolets and Thunderbirds gleam under the sun.
• A retro market packed with vinyl records, vintage clothing, and accessories that instantly transport you back to the fifties.
• A giant dance floor inside a vintage mirror tent, where couples in swing dresses and suspenders dance the night away.

My favorite moment? The night I wandered into a vintage record store by chance and stumbled upon a group of musicians playing an impromptu set. No microphones, no amplifiers—just music, a scorching Andalusian night, and a crowd singing along at the top of their lungs.

Personal tip: Just wander around and let yourself be surprised. Some of the best performances happen spontaneously on street corners or in small cafés!

Practical information

• Location: Torremolinos, with main acts at Auditorium Municipal Príncipe de Asturias and Hotel La Barracuda.
• Tickets: Most shows sell out quickly, so check the official website for last-minute availability: rockinrace.com
• Milieuzone alert: Torremolinos heeft een lage-emissiezone (ZBE), dus check of je voertuig hieraan voldoet of maak gebruik van het openbaar vervoer. (cadenaser.com)

Why you should go

The Rockin’ Race Jamboree is no ordinary festival. It’s a place where you can forget modern life for a while and let yourself be swept away into a world of jukeboxes, leather jackets, and endless dance nights.
Whether you’re a die-hard rockabilly fan or just looking for a festival that’s truly different, this is your chance to experience a living piece of music history.
So put on your best retro outfit, slick back your hair, and dance your way straight into the 1950s—this is one festival you don’t want to miss!