XVII World Festival of Salsa and Bolero

The World Festival of Salsa and Bolero, founded in 1995 as the implementation of a project of cultural research and arts in the city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The research suggests that Cartagena is closer culturally to Cuba, specially to Santiago de Cuba, than the inner regions of Colombia. A proposal is brought to local authorities in the city and a cultural twinning between Santiago de Cuba and Cartagena is created.

The site initially chosen as home of the event is the San Diego colonial plaza where they managed to made ​​the first bolero festival. Artists from all countries were invited to participate, assisting countries such as: Cuba, Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, Aruba, Mexico, Chile, among others. From La Plaza San Diego it moves to the Teatro Adolfo Mejía and then to the International Convention Center of Cartagena de Indias, seeking to link the Festival with general performing arts. The name is then changed to: Bohemian International Festival where the goal is to include theater, music, dance, other cultural events and universal art. The Sonora Cartagenera, Cartagenera la Trova, the School of Contemporary Salsa, the Club 100 years, Caribbean award Filin, musical theater for young people with disabilities, are among cultural and artistic projects undertaken by the Festival during its term as a proposal for social responsibility. The approach since 2009 with the integration of popular culture of the city of Cali, Colombia and specially their salsa schools and orchestra gave a new name to the festival; WORLD FESTIVAL OF SALSA Y BOLERO, starting the year 2014 the Festival pays homage to the legends of Cuban music and dance.