Events Calendar

Name: Race St. Salsa Fest Day Two | Featuring Las Karamba
Start: 2025-07-19T13:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-07-20T00:00:00-04:00
Location: De La Luz Soundstage

The Explore Holyoke community events calendar highlights the arts and cultural events throughout the city of Holyoke to help plan your visit. You are invited to submit your event. Events encouraged to be submitted are art openings, dance concerts, open mic events, cultural lectures. Events not allowed on the calendar are, political fundraisers, city meetings, daily specials from restaurants and events outside the city of Holyoke.

Race St. Salsa Fest Day Two | Featuring Las Karamba

July 19 @ 1:00 pm - 12:00 am

Get ready for a rhythmic revolution as Las Karamba lights up De La Luz with their electrifying blend of Latin tradition and modern flair. Born in Barcelona and powered by women from Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina, France, and Catalonia, this all-female powerhouse fuses salsa, cha-cha-chá, timba, and son with rap, samba, and urban groove. It’s more than music—it’s cultural resistance wrapped in joy, rhythm, and fire.

Start your day with brunch at Comfort Bagel, open from 7 AM until 1 PM. After 11 AM, head to the patio to enjoy your bagel with a Bloody Maria or Paloma Mimosa while catching more live acoustic sets outdoors, running from 11 AM–2 PM.

At 1:00 PM, the kitchen flips over to Chef Sara Barnes, serving up bold, soulful dishes inspired by the Latin diaspora, while the bar continues its multi-margarita lineup and other craft cocktail offerings.

Afternoon highlights include:

2:00 PM – A kids’ concert with Latin Grammy Winner, MISTER G in the Soundstage
2:00–5:00 PM – Salsa canning workshop in the Dining Room—learn to preserve the flavor and heat of summer
7:00 PM – Free Salsa Dance Lesson with McCoy Jamison in the Soundstage

Evening performances feature two high-energy acts not to be missed:

8:00 PM – Miguel Periche brings his deep Afro-Cuban roots to the Divine Theater. A dancer, teacher, and choreographer originally from Holguín, Cuba, Miguel was Artistic Director of Iroko Nuevo, a Western Mass-based company. His shows are known for their passion, rhythm, and cultural depth.
9:00 PM – Las Karamba lights up the Soundstage with an irresistible fusion of salsa, timba, son, and cha-cha-cha, infused with rap, samba, and rumba. Formed in Barcelona and composed of six women from across Latin America and Europe, their performance is joyful, fierce, and fully captivating—led by powerhouse vocalist Ahyvin Bruno.

The night closes with a late-night drum circle—a communal, high-energy sendoff to a weekend of rhythm, connection, and celebration.

Race Street SalsaFest at De la Luz is free and open to all, with donations welcome. Come dance, eat, learn, and feel the beat in downtown Holyoke’s Puerto Rican Cultural District. Register to get updates and secure your spot.