Salsa Dance Party to be held tomorrow

Mayor Kim Janey, the Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment, and the City of Boston’s Latinx Employee Resource Group will host a Salsa Dance Party on Thursday, October 14 on City Hall Plaza to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public and will take place between 5 - 8 p.m.

Music will be provided by DJ Big O and a free salsa lesson by Salsa y Control Dance Studio will be offered by the dance floor from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. In addition, a special youth dance performance by the Hyde Square Task Force will take place from 6:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. The dance floor will be open for the duration of the event, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Boston is also hosting a pop-up Beer & Wine Garden, showcasing local businesses, in The Patios space on City Hall Plaza from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. On the night of the event, Essex Park, a collaboration between Savvor Lounge and District 7 Tavern, will be vending at the Beer & Wine Garden.

“National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate Boston residents whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. I’m pleased to introduce the City of Boston’s first ever salsa dance night,” said Mayor Janey. “I look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to City Hall Plaza for this fun, free, family-friendly event.”

This is an entirely outdoor, open-air event. It is encouraged, but not required, to wear masks. Hand sanitizer will be available on-site. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are still at high-risk of spreading COVID-19. If you are not fully vaccinated, you should avoid large social gatherings. If you do plan to attend, avoid congested areas, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth, and maintain six feet of physical distance as much as possible. Find a vaccination site near you.

For more events hosted by the City, follow the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment on social media @VisitBostonCity and visit the Tourism website.

Born in Venezuela, and raised in Massachusetts, Oscar ‘DJ Big O’ Nunez, has used his knowledge of many different genres of music to create a larger than life persona as a top DJ and emcee in Boston. DJ Big O is a true expert when it comes to any Latin genre, and he is always able to captivate his guests by his exceptional mic presence. DJ Big O is outstanding at interacting and engaging with guests... and does so in a way that makes guests feel welcomed, and ready to have fun and dance all night long! Follow DJ Big O on Instagram @djbigo1.

Salsa y Control, a local small business with locations in both Allston and Cambridge, is one of the most beloved dance companies in the area, offering top quality and easy-to-follow instruction to get you on the dance floor in no time. Their classes provide a fun and welcoming environment for everyone of all levels. They also have performance opportunities where dancers are inspired to gain more confidence and reach their fullest potential. “Salsa y Control” originated in 1999 with Johnny and Andres, two brothers who perform amazing duets with unique, intricate salsa footwork combinations. Salsa y Control later expanded to include partner dance performances with Johnny and Felicita. In 2003, the three established what we know today as "Salsa y Control Dance Company." Their drive came from the desire to inspire others to express inner emotion through the art of dance. In 2008, the Salsa y Control Dance Studio opened its doors in Allston under Andres and Leah. Today, Salsa y Control has grown to be one of the biggest dance companies in Boston with over 80 performing members for multiple dance teams and they continue to offer classes in Allston and Cambridge.

The Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG) serves as a network of employees at the City of Boston. The ERG promotes the cultural diversity and professional development of its members. By doing so, members hope to create a supportive environment for the Latinx community. Learn more about the Latinx ERG.

The Hyde Square Task Force amplifies the power, creativity, and voices of youth, connecting them to Afro-Latin culture and heritage so they can create a diverse, vibrant Latin Quarter and build a just, equitable Boston. The Hyde Square Task Force supports youth as they explore, master, and celebrate Afro-Latin culture through art; learn, grow, and achieve academically and in life; and develop into changemakers and advocates for themselves.