(Right) Nyasha George dances with instructor Emilio during a live performance by Orquesta El Macabeo at Taller Puertorriqueño on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
On July 17, community members gathered at Taller Puertorriqueño for an evening of salsa, hosted by Mural Arts Philadelphia and CAICU. The celebration featured live music by Orquesta el Macabeo, an interactive dance performance by Elian Gomez and Ashley Rivera of Mambo Lab Philly, and food by Amy’s Pastelillos.
Throughout the night, neighbors filled the dance floor, enjoyed Caribbean flavors, and celebrated the cultural exchange that continues to connect Philadelphia’s Norris Square neighborhood with Puerto Rico.
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Check out our photos from salsa night below 👇
Orquesta El Macabeo performs during a salsa event at Taller Puertorriqueño on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Ashley Rivera leads a salsa lesson at Taller Puertorriqueño in North Philadelphia on July 17, 2025, as guests follow her lead. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Guests dance during a salsa class at Taller Puertorriqueño in North Philadelphia on July 17, 2025. The event was presented by Mural Arts and CAICU. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Orquesta El Macabeo performs during a salsa event at Taller Puertorriqueño on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Guests dance as Orquesta El Macabeo performs during a salsa event at Taller Puertorriqueño on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Orquesta El Macabeo performs during a salsa event at Taller Puertorriqueño on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Taller Puertorriqueño hosts a salsa night featuring live music and dance on July 17, 2025, in partnership with Mural Arts and CAICU. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Guests eat empanadas from Amy’s Pastelillos during a salsa event at Taller Puertorriqueño in North Philadelphia on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Guests dance as Orquesta El Macabeo performs during a salsa event at Taller Puertorriqueño on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Pastelillos are served at a pop-up stand by Amy’s Pastelillos during a salsa night at Taller Puertorriqueño on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Orquesta El Macabeo performs during a salsa event at Taller Puertorriqueño on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)Guests dance as Orquesta El Macabeo performs during a salsa event at Taller Puertorriqueño on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
Solmaira Valerio is a North Philly–born photographer and musician whose work draws on their cultural roots to capture the energy, vulnerability, and authenticity of communities while challenging stereotypes and stigma.
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