Five thousand dancers from around the world will be at the fourth World Salsa Festival in Cali this week to compete for the title of World's Best Salsa Dancer.
To the irresistible sound of the drums, guiro, trumpet and maracas, Cali will remind the world that those Cuban and Caribbean rhythms are also a strong part of Colombia's heritage. For four years, Cali's Ministry of Culture has been preparing for this festival. This year's theme is "Joe Cuba and his Music for the World". Singer Cheo Feliciano will be a featured guest.
Dancers from the United States, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Canada, Spain, Japan and England will all compete. Colombian dancers in the youth and adult categories will come from all over the country: from Antioquia, Tolima, Cartagena, Bogota and Cauca.
This year, the Festival will also bring together researchers, academics, businessmen, art directors and designers; and for the first time, Cali's Monumental Plaza de Toros Cañaveralejo will be the setting for the extravaganza, which is expected to draw around fifteen thousand spectators.
"More than just a competition, this event is cultural, and educational lectures, workshops and business exhibitions will be offered," said festival coordinator Luis Alberto Sevillano.
The Fourth World Salsa Festival will be celebrated in Cali from Monday September 14.
