Salsuri Festival – Frequently Asked Questions
About the Festival
The Salsuri Salsa & Bachata Festival, also known as a salsa and bachata congress, is a multi-day event — ranging from two days to a full week — where dancers, choreographers, musicians, and enthusiasts come together to share their passion for salsa, bachata, and related dances.
These festivals attract millions of Latin dance lovers worldwide and typically include:
- Workshops by international instructors in Salsa, Bachata, Mambo, Rumba, Rueda de Casino, and more — for all levels, from beginners to professionals.
- Evening events filled with parties, spectacular show performances, and sometimes live concerts.
The Salsuri Festival welcomes everyone with a love for salsa, bachata, and related dance styles — no prior dance experience required. From absolute beginners to seasoned teachers and performers, there’s something for everyone to learn, enjoy, and share.
Yes, children are allowed at workshops and shows, although age restrictions may apply for certain activities. Please contact the festival team for specific guidelines.
Salsuri is organized by a collaborative team of artists, choreographers, teachers, and DJs united by their passion for salsa, bachata, and the vibrant Latin dance community.
You can learn more about the team on the About Us page of the festival website.
Salsuri takes place in Paramaribo, Suriname.
If you’re traveling from abroad or another city, we can assist you with guidance on flights, accommodations, and local transportation to help you organize your trip.
- Showcases: Theater Thalia
- Workshops: Royal Breeze Hotel
- Friday Party: Sky Lounge, Hotel Royal Breeze
- Saturday Party: Mingle Paramaribo
- Sunday Party: Royal Breeze Outdoor
Salsuri celebrates a diverse range of dance styles, including:
- Cuban: Rumba, Palo, Rueda, Afro Fusion
- Cross-body styles: Salsa On1 (LA style) and Salsa On2 (NY style)
- Bachata: Both Traditional and Sensual
Salsuri features renowned salsa and bachata dancers celebrated for their expertise, teaching approach, and captivating performances. They come from vibrant dance hubs such as Cali, Bogotá, Medellín, Cuba, Lima, Curaçao, and the Netherlands.
You can explore detailed profiles, photos, and videos of each in the Artists section on the festival website.
A Challenge is an intensive advanced-level class where you learn a complete choreography in 3 hours. The choreography is then performed during Saturday’s Showcase.
Tickets & Passes
We offer a variety of passes to suit different preferences:
- Full Pass – Access to all shows, all parties, and all dance workshops (salsa & bachata) during the festival.
- Party Pass – Access to all festival parties only (no shows or workshops).
- Night Pass – Access to all parties and shows (no workshops).
- Workshop Pass – Access to all dance workshops (no parties or shows).
Yes! We have flexible options:
- Full Workshop Day Pass – Choose Saturday or Sunday for a full day of workshops.
- Individual Party Tickets – Buy tickets for a specific party night.
- Individual Show Tickets – Buy tickets for a specific show evening.
Yes, on-site purchases are possible, but we strongly recommend buying your tickets in advance to secure your spot — especially for shows and workshops, which can sell out quickly during the festival.
Yes, food and drink options will be available at the festival venues. Availability may vary depending on the location.
All sales are final. However, name changes are allowed if you wish to transfer your pass to another person.
Workshops are mainly conducted in English, with some sessions in Dutch or Spanish.
- Full Passes & Party Passes – Collect from the Festival Office at Royal Breeze Hotel on October 22 & 23. Collection times will be announced in October.
- Workshop Passes – Collect on the day of the workshops, starting 30 minutes before the first workshop begins.
Yes, group discounts are available. For details, please contact us via WhatsApp: +597 877 7790.
Practical Information
Yes. Wearing your wristband throughout the festival is mandatory, as it serves as your entry ticket for shows, parties, and/or workshops depending on the pass you purchased.
If your wristband is removed or damaged, you will need to purchase a replacement to regain entry.
Workshops are offered at three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Select the level that matches your current skills, comfort, and learning goals to get the most out of your salsa and bachata experience.
No — a partner is not necessary. There will be plenty of dancers to meet and partner with during the festival. Most workshops rotate partners regularly, giving you the opportunity to learn from different people, styles, and techniques.
For the best value and convenience, consider our all-inclusive package, which combines hotel accommodation with a festival pass.
Wear comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for salsa and bachata dancing, such as t-shirts, tank tops, leggings, or lightweight pants. For shoes, choose ones with non-sticky soles — ideally dance shoes or sneakers that allow easy turning. Bring a small towel and water bottle to stay fresh in the tropical climate.
Dress elegantly to match the festive atmosphere. While formal attire is not required, opt for stylish outfits that photograph well and make you feel confident on this special night. Please avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
- **Friday:** Smart casual — stylish yet comfortable for dancing.
- **Saturday:** Elegant — dress to impress for the highlight night of the festival.
- **Sunday:** Riverside pool party — relaxed summer wear; swimwear is welcome for poolside fun.
- Shows: Arrive 30–45 minutes before the start time.
- Workshops: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the first session to secure your spot.
A salsa festival, or congress, is an event spanning from two days to a full week where dancers, choreographers, musicians, and enthusiasts gather to share their passion for salsa and related dances. With millions of salsa lovers traveling worldwide to attend, festivals feature workshops by international instructors covering salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Rumba, Rueda de casino, and more, catering to all levels from beginners to professionals. Evenings are filled with parties, show performances, and sometimes live concerts.
The festival welcomes anyone eager to dance salsa and related styles, regardless of prior dance experience. From absolute beginners to teachers and performers, everyone can learn something new and connect with others who share their passion.
- If you’re interested only in parties, tickets for each party can be purchased separately.
- For a weekend experience with workshops, parties, and shows from Friday to Sunday, a FULL PASS is recommended.
- If you prefer attending specific classes or workshops without participating in parties, consider a workshop pass.
Please collect your wristband from the festival office at the Royal Breeze Hotel upon presenting your proof of payment on October 23 & 24.
Yes, wearing the wristband throughout the festival is mandatory as it serves as your entry ticket for workshops and parties. If it’s removed or damaged, a replacement will need to be purchased.
While on-site purchase is possible, it’s advisable to buy your tickets beforehand to ensure availability and make the most of your festival experience, especially during busy times.
Workshops are categorized into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, further divided into Cuban and cross-body styles. Choose based on your familiarity with dance techniques and styles.
Salsuri offers a diverse range, including Cuban (Rumba, Palo, Rueda, Afro fusion), cross-body styles, as well as traditional and sensual Bachata.
Salsuri takes place in Paramaribo, Suriname. For travel assistance, reach out for guidance on organizing your trip.
Showcases are hosted at Assuria Event Center, workshops at Royal Breeze Hotel, and parties at various locations. Check the website for the latest program details and any venue changes.
Renowned dancers known for their expertise and teaching approach will lead workshops. Explore more about them in the Artists section on the festival website.
No, a partner is not necessary. There are plenty of dancers to meet and potentially partner with during the festival. Workshops often rotate partners, offering a chance to learn from different dance styles and techniques.
Consider the all-inclusive platinum package which includes both hotel accommodation and a festival pass.
Wear comfortable attire suitable for dancing, such as t-shirts, leggings, or sweatpants. For shoes, non-sticky soles are recommended, ideally dancing shoes if available. As it’s in a tropical location, keep a towel and water handy.
During workshops and show evenings, videotaping is generally prohibited. Some instructors may allow recording at the end of sessions for workshop attendees only, at their discretion.
Salsuri is organized by a collaborative group of artists, choreographers, teachers, and DJs passionate about salsa and its community. More information is available on the “About Us” page of the festival website.