Havana, February 25 (RHC) The 5th edition of the Salsa Festival began in the Cuban capital this week with the special participation of Puerto Rican salsa star, Víctor Manuelle, along with the Caribbean nation’s main orchestras.

With headquarters for the first time at the Club 500 of the José Antonio Echeverría recreational complex, the event brings together local groups, such as NG la Banda, Haila María Mompié, Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, Havana D 'Primera, Alain Pérez, Los Van Van, Pupy y Los que son Son, El Niño y la Verdad and Septeto Santiaguero, among others. The gathering’s agenda also includes presentations of street dancers, the performance of renowned DJs and, as a main course, the concert of Víctor Manuelle, who will perform for the first time in Cuba, accompanied by his orchestra.

Manuelle, with a long musical career, known in the Caribbean nation for hits such as Tengo ganas, Cómo se lo explico al corazón y Dile a ella, has more than twenty albums and collaborated with renowned international performers. The meet’s program, which will run until March 1, also consists of the usual dance workshops, which this time will be about Afro-Cuban rhythms, ‘rumba’, salsa and ‘casino’, and will be aimed at the more than 380 international participants who have confirmed their attendance. Organized by the Carnival Company of Havana’s Provincial Culture Division, with the support of important institutions from the island, the Salsa Festival is also aimed at strengthening popular Cuban dance music. In addition, according to its main promoter, musician Maykel Blanco, it is the purpose of this event to promote salsa music produced in today’s Cuba, as well as dance and other art forms.