La Salsa en la Calle

The renowned corner of Café Boulevard, located on Carrera 1 in the heart of Cali’s downtown, transforms every Friday into one of the most iconic spots for freestyle salsa. Right next to the Calle del Sabor, in the same vibrant area, stands the building that commands a panoramic view of the Cali River. This prime location is a must-cross point for those heading to or coming from the famous Jairo Varela Plaza, home to the Jairo Varela Museum, which honors Colombia’s most celebrated salsa composer and the founder of the internationally acclaimed “Grupo Niche.”

If you pass by the Cali River, you can feel the breeze or catch the reflection of La Ermita church, perfect for that postcard photo that so many around the world have shared on their Instagram accounts. The city’s street party scene is a new concept, born from Cali’s spirit of rebellion during the COVID-19 lockdown. According to its visitors, this spot became a spark of festivity, where groups of people sought to unwind, welcomed with face masks on and hand sanitizer in hand. Thus, an icon of defiance was born, right above the tunnel of the Boulevard, where cars pass through unnoticed, linking the city’s downtown to the north.