“Si huele a caña

tabaco y brea,

usted está en Cali

ay mire vea”

Oiga, Mire, Vea - Guayacán Orquesta

One of the many songs of the salsa capital of the world. Cali, famous around the world because of its contributions to salsa music. In Cali, you can appreciate the different presentations and interpretations of salsa that have won prizes in different international competitions, as well as take dance classes to fully embrace this culture, which is very inclusive of tourists.

Salsa Caleña, culture and taste

Cali is salsa! Although this musical genre is not native to Cali, salsa needed to be infused with Cali's tropical culture. Since its arrival, it has become so popular that many people who come to this city in the Valle del Cauca are looking for a taste of salsa. In recent years, tourism has increased both nationally and internationally.

The city has built a series of circuits around salsa and has the largest salsa record archive in the world, captivating millions of people and turning them into lovers of our salsa.

History of Salsa in Cali

Salsa in Colombia dates back to the mid-twentieth century, when Cuban rhythms crossed the Caribbean and reached Cali. The 1958 Cali Fair saw the city begin to develop its own style, but it was in the 1970s when the salsa boom began in Cali. Everyone was immediately captivated and began 'azotando baldosa', that is, dancing in every corner of the city.

Since the '70s and '80s, Cali began to identify itself with salsa worldwide. A significant change occurred in the musical history: salsa became a way of life in Cali. This is reflected in the dance style, the feeling of the music, and how the rhythm is translated into body movements, later known as the "baile caleño". This dance has crossed not only geographical but also social boundaries, evolving from an exclusive rhythm of the poor population to a universal phenomenon. Additionally, since 1974, the World Salsa Championship has been held in Cali, with performances in the "salsodromo".

"A dance with a flirtatious essence where the movement from the waist down, the playfulness of the hands and eyes, the man's lead of the woman, jumps and tricks, turns and passion, define the caleño dance".

Since the year 2000, salsa caleña has become more consolidated, making unique groups, singers, and dancers famous. Many have left their mark both at home and internationally, such as "Grupo Niche", "Guayacán", and "Fruko y sus Tesos". Salsa schools were created, and through a community agreement, salsa dancing was declared a Cultural Heritage of the city. In 2006, the World Salsa Festival was born, bringing together more than 50 dance schools and serving as a global symbol of salsa and Cali dancers.

You may also be interested in: FEEL THE RHYTHM OF COLOMBIA!

Dancing Salsa in Cali

Dancing has become a distinctive characteristic of Cali, with millions of people traveling to the world capital of salsa to learn to dance Cali salsa every year, feeling the passion in the city’s bars, discos, fairs, and festivals. This is how the music has become an integral part of life in Cali.

Cali's salsa is faster, so the rhythm and steps of Cali's dancers are different, showcasing their own unique technique. The orchestras also have their own rhythm, accelerating the beat and taking salsa to a viral level. You may also be interested in: Why Colombia is known as the land to feel the rhythm?

If you want to enjoy, learn, and experience the unique style of Cali salsa, we recommend bars like Zaperoco, Chachachá, La Topa Tolondra, MalaMaña Salsa Bar, Donde Fabio, and Living Night Club.