17° Habawaba international Festival

HaBaWaBa International Festival 2025: The World's Largest Youth Water Polo Event Returns to Lignano Sabbiadoro!
From June 15 to 22, 2025, Lignano Sabbiadoro will host the 17th edition of the HaBaWaBa International Festival — the most important global event dedicated to water polo for boys and girls. It's a full week of sport, fun, and friendship at the Bella Italia EFA Village, with over 136 teams from 10 countries ready to experience something truly unforgettable.

What is HaBaWaBa?

HaBaWaBa stands for Happy Baby Water Ball, a name that captures the joy and energy children feel when playing water polo. Since 2008, this international festival has promoted the values of sport, fair play, and inclusion, turning every edition into a massive celebration of water-based sports.

An International Sports Festival

The 2025 edition will welcome young athletes in the U11 and U9 categories from the following countries:

Italy, Brazil, Greece, Egypt, France, Spain, Turkey, Switzerland, Hungary, the Principality of Monaco, and more.

There will be 112 teams competing in the U11 division and 24 in the U9, for a total of more than 3,000 participants, including athletes, families, and staff. The event transforms Lignano Sabbiadoro into a global hub for youth water sports development.

A Festival Backed by Major Institutions

The festival is supported by leading international aquatic sports organizations:

• FINA (International Swimming Federation)

• LEN (European Aquatics)

• FIN (Italian Swimming Federation)

• COMEN (Mediterranean Swimming Confederation)

• CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee)

Sport, Vacation, and Personal Growth

The HaBaWaBa International Festival is more than a tournament — it’s a unique opportunity to enjoy a family sports holiday in Lignano Sabbiadoro, combining sea, nature, and educational activities. The event is organized by WPD Waterpolo Development, a non-profit association dedicated to promoting water polo among children worldwide.

Why participate or attend the HaBaWaBa International Festival?

• The world’s largest water polo festival for kids

• A top-tier venue: Bella Italia EFA Village

• International encounters promoting sport, friendship, and cultural exchange

• An educational and fun experience for children aged 6 to 11