Puerto Peñasco is ready to try and dance its way into the Guiness World Book of Records during the 1st International Salsa Fest, to be held on the malecón in the Old Port on August 27th.
Organizers state the goal is to get more than 456 couples, or rather nearly 1000 people, dancing to the rhythms of salsa performed by Puerto Rican artist Luisito Rosario, followed by Carlos Rivas and his Mex-Sal Orchestra. Couples, which can be made up regardless of gender though with at least one adult, will be dressed similarly and have practiced a choreography led by instructors.
Together with the Municipal Office on Art & Culture, returning event promoter Lalo González (who was part of the Jazz Festival held in Puerto Peñasco earlier this year) explains various sponsors are already on board from both the U.S. and Mexico, with hopes to position Puerto Peñasco as a space where Latino cultures come together via artistic expressions such as dance while bringing together hundreds of salsa lovers from Southern US, Sonora, and Baja California.
Nina Mier, Director of Art & Culture, explained there will be seven practice days with choreography in advance of the official salsa record attempt – which must last at least 5 minutes while also meeting other requirements outlined by Guiness regarding dress and dance steps. Practice times and places to be announced for following dates: Aug. 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 26th, and 27th.
She added registration for participants is free, and funds raised through sponsors both in Arizona as well as Puerto Peñasco will be put toward the Municiapl DIF (Office on Integral Family Development). People can pre-register directly at City Hall, or visit the Offices at the Casa de la Cultura (across from City Hall). There will also be registration on the day of the event in the Old Port. The event itself is scheduled to start at 7 p.m., with the “official record breaking attempt” to take place at 10 p.m.
The salsa event is also being held as yet another manner to attract tourists, particularly Latinos, to Peñasco as the summer vacation period draws to an end.
Performers scheduled for the event include Luisito Rosario, Carlos Rivas and his Mex-Sal Orchestra, along with musicians from Hermosillo and Puerto Peñasco.
