Washington Heights danced today as the NYC Salsa Fest lit up Fort Tryon Park. Over 6,000 grooved to live bands—salsa legend Willie Colón headlined; 66°F night pulsed. Free dance lessons drew 500—kids to abuelas spun. Food stalls slung mofongo—400 plates sold. NYC’s Latin soul—Uptown shines.
Organizer Rosa Diaz, 55, booked 10 bands—3 from the Bronx. Colón’s ‘La Murga’ at 8 p.m.—crowd sang every word; X clips hit 10,000 views. A dance-off crowned a Queens couple—$500 prize sparked cheers. New LED lights lit the park—eco-friendly glow. Salsa’s roots—NYC’s heartbeat.
It’s not perfect—sound cut out twice; tech fumbled. Food lines hit 25 minutes—hungry dancers griped. Still, 6,000 fans, 5 hours—fest’s a hit. Post-show, Dyckman Street buzzed—party rolled on. Annual rite—NYC moves.
Diaz’s 55—cultural queen? Winners’ 30s—dance stars. Uptown swayed; NYC glowed. Salsa Fest—spin on.