Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Orchard Beach in the Bronx will hold its weekly Salsa Sundays dance party. Every Sunday until Labor Day weekend, New Yorkers can enjoy music, salsa dance, and concessions.
Hundreds gather in a large cement dancing area every week to celebrate the various types of salsa dance. At Orchard Beach you can see many styles of Latin dance, whether it is mambo, cha-cha, or salsa. This event celebrates the diversity of The Bronx, drawing influence from Cuban, Caribbean and African rhythms, a lively and casual atmosphere, with people dancing amidst barbecues, roller skaters and swimmers.
Salsa Sundays are a summer staple of the Bronx, taking place for over 50 years. This summer celebration reflects the Bronx’s importance to the history of salsa music.
Salsa was born in the jazz clubs of the South Bronx in the 1950s. In these clubs, musicians mixed bolero, rumba and mambo to create a new genre called “salsa conciente.” This genre took the elements of latin music and incorporated lyrics that reflected the social issues plaguing The Bronx. In the late 1960s, Fania records was formed and pushed salsa into the mainstream with names like Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, and Bobby Valentin.
Orchard beach is an especially important site in the history of salsa music. In 1936, Orchard Beach opened as a weekend and holiday destination for Bronx residents, quickly becoming a hub for the borough’s Puerto Rican residents. As one of the only desegregated public spaces in the city, Orchard Beach became a melting pot for music. Visitors from across New York City went to Orchard beach to hear a fusion of salsa, R&B and jazz.
Orchard Beach quickly became a local gathering place, with salsa being a medium to build a sense of community. DJs Ernie Ensley and Carlos Santiago started the Salsa Sundays event to combine community, recreation and entertainment. Since its start, Salsa Sundays has been a place for the Bronx’s Latinx community to share their pride, love of music and sense of fun.
Salsa Sundays take place at Orchard Beach Area 5, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the nearby beach, boardwalk and ball courts. Consider bringing beach chairs, sunscreen, and coolers to best enjoy the summer weather during the event.
More details on scheduling and directions can be found here.
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