Some 1,250 dancers will take part in the “salsodromo,” a dance parade that on December 25 will kick off annual Feria de Cali.
This year the parade has adopted the name “Wake up the Carnival,” rendering homage to the celebration of salsa across the world.
“The Salsadromo will be homage to the different carnivals of the world that have influenced us above all in the genre of salsa. To represent the homage, half of the participants will go dressed in traditional Cali salsa dress and the other half will go dressed in costume of the countries,” said Andrea Buenaventura, the artistic director and producer of the event.
Buenaventura said the dancers would pay homage to La Sonora Matancera (Cuba), El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Ruben Blades (Panama), Dámaso Perez Prado (Cuba), La Fania All-Stars (United States), Alfredo Linares (Peru), Grupo Niche (Colombia) and Fruko (Colombia).
A float featuring salsa performers Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz will open the parade.
Tickets for the stands at the Salsadromo will cost $80,000 COP, but a free public viewing section will also be available.
Festivities kick off on Christmas and will continue in Cali until the December 30.
Salsódromo
Place: Autopista Sur
Hour: Starting at 2PM
Theme: Wake up the Carnival