Bronx’s Salsa Fest Sways in Mott Haven

Mott Haven grooved last night with the Bronx’s Salsa Fest, heating NYC’s spring with Latin flair. Band Tariq Evans struck congas as 200 danced at a lot off 138th, a free rhythm bash. It’s borough beats—$5 tacos sold fast, pure BX vibe. A kid spun a step; a pro swayed wild. ‘Bronx salsas—this is it,’ Evans says, drumming hard. The asphalt turned dance floor.

The fest’s new—March 23’s kickoff, it doubled since RSVPs, packing curbs by 6 p.m. Evans, a Soundview percussionist; last night’s crowd hit max—timbales rang. A latecomer nabbed a spot; salsa flew—NYC grit glowed. Vendors slung empanadas—spice ruled. #BronxSalsaFest trended; Queens wants a beat.

Some griped—’Too loud,’ sniped a resident, earplugs out. Heat rose—sweat poured; rhythm held. A speaker popped—fixed quick; dance rolled. Manhattan wants in, but Mott Haven owns it—steps rule. The lot’s never moved so smooth.

Evans hints at a monthly run, maybe a street if summer bites. ‘NYC’s pulse—this drives it,’ he says, packing drums. The fest’s a Bronx win—grit meets groove. It’s a salsa surge; catch the next. Bring shoes—feet fly.