How many big events are we talking — a few? A handful? Nope, we’re looking at thirteen huge salsa dancing events in February alone. Salsa, casino, kizomba and bachata dancing are worldwide pastimes, and most continents (sorry, Antarctica) have a congress or festival that is a pretty big deal. If not more than one!
One quick thing: what is a salsa “congress?” Well, it’s basically a hybrid workshop-festival, featuring classes, lessons, performances, social dancing, and competitions.
Where:
San Francisco
What Happens:
The premier west coast salsa rueda festival. That’s what happens. This amazing event captures the essence of the Bay Area and sees Tirso Duarte headline this jam-packed fiesta.
Enjoy four days of social dancing, world-class performances and shows, music from acclaimed bands and DJs, workshops and classes for all dance levels with top instructors, a beginner bootcamp, educational lectures and late night parties in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world. Check out the schedule.
Chicago International Salsa Congress
Where:
Chicago
What Happens:
Billing itself as “The Midwest’s Premiere Latin Music and Dance Event,” this looks pretty awesome. It’s held at the swanky Westin Hotel and features seven different performances over the course of four days.
Aside from daily workshops with renowned instructors and social dances featuring DJs and live performers, the program alternates between “Emerging Showcases” and “Spectacular Showcases” — which probably means it’s a great event to get a read on what’s changing in the salsa world. The lineup in general looks diverse, including artists from all over the world with backgrounds in kizomba, mambo, bachata, and of course, salsa.
The Los Angeles Bachata Festival
Where:
Los Angeles
What Happens:
So pretty heavy on the Valentine’s Day theme here, which does make sense. What better way to spend the Day of Love than in the arms of your favorite lead or follow?
The schedule: fly into LAX, check in at the Westin LAX. Take a bachata class, then a kizomba class. Go to a social dance until dawn. Rinse. Repeat. This congress is mostly focused on bachata dancing, but I’m sure the social dancing includes salsa. So it might be a good event to try if you love salsa and want to get better at bachata and dip your toes in kizomba!
Where:
Amsterdam
What Happens:
This looks…hectic. Which is not to say that’s a bad thing, by any means. One should probably expect a hectic time in Amsterdam, after all.
This congress looks to be largely centered around performance and essons, although I couldn’t find a schedule online. The artists include Tropical Gem, Grupo Alafia, and a lot of other eccentric-looking performers. There’s also a styling bootcamp for ladies with up-and-coming star Bersy Cortez. Seriously, Holland, you are winning in the wild party department so far.
Where:
Rust, Germany
What Happens:
Geared a little more toward beginners, this congress offers around 90 different workshops and classes for latin, disco fox, salsa, west coast swing, tango, swing, and hip hop dancers from levels 1-4. For each enthusiast, there seems to be a party room. Just kidding! But almost.
And the shows? Well, the page is mostly in German, and even with page translation, the most astounding fact seems to be the number of dances per show — on average, nine! That seems like a lot to me.
8th Annual Nordic Salsa Experience
Where:
Oslo, Norway
What Happens:
Literally the first word on the program, right after “Thursday,” is “party.” I think I can get into this salsa congress thing? Would anyone like to go? Oh, and also, the party starts early and ends at 1:30 am.
Aside from a nightly party, the congress also features the Norwegian Salsa Championship (hosted by eight well-known DJs) and daily workshops with an impressive-looking array of international instructors. Dance shows headline and get the party started on Saturday and Sunday.
Oman International Salsa & Zouk Festival
Where:
Muscat, Oman
What Happens:
First of all, Oman looks amazing. Muscat is right on the ocean and features castles on hills overlooking the water. Second of all, the website invites you to “Get crazy, have fun, & chillax.” Need I say more?
The festival plays up the tourism aspect, working several day trips and multiple pool parties into their program. Three out of the four days include workshops, followed by a main party with performances from various artists — and then, of course, a late-night party.
Where:
Oahu, HI
What Happens:
2016 is only the second year running for this Hilton-based festival, but the photos from last year make it look like a blast. Like all things Hawaii, there is definitely beach time involved with this venture. Should be a pretty simple suitcase to pack — swimsuit, beach towel, salsa shoes, and a few dresses.
This schedule is so straightforward, I recommend just checking it out for yourself.
Where:
Zurich
What Happens:
Why do the European festivals always seem to look so much more outlandish? I’m loving all the colors and lights involved with this website and also just everything Zurich.
Salsa Festival Switzerland looks to be maybe 40% show, 40% party, and 20% classes. We see kizomba make another appearance on the schedule, another sure sign that it’s on the rise across the globe. And, at its 15th year running, this event may be one of the longest-standing festivals on this list.
Ready to book a flight yet? Yeah, me too!
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