Origins of Salsa and Its Connection to Cali

Salsa originated in the Caribbean, especially in Cuba and Puerto Rico, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms like son, mambo, and guaracha. Its modern form developed in New York City during the 1960s and 70s, where Caribbean immigrants fused these rhythms with jazz and other Latin styles.

Cali, Colombia, embraced salsa with unmatched passion and made it a core part of its cultural identity. Since the 1970s, it has become known as the “World Capital of Salsa”, famous for its fast-paced dance style, numerous salsa schools, radio stations, vinyl collectors, and major events like the World Salsa Festival and the Cali Fair.