Latin rhythms in people’s veins

“Salsa at the Waterfront,” held on Saturday, July 28, had people dancing with umbrellas. No one was about to back out just because Mother Nature decided to send some downpours. In fact, despite the weather, there were more than 5,000 people at Pier 4 at 58th Street and First Avenue ready to move to the compass of Latin rhythms.

“The turnout was great,” said Pat Ruiz, president of the Boricua Festival Committee, which organizes the event.

”Everyone held their umbrellas and danced to our D.J.’s sizzling Salsa tracks dedicated to the Fania All Stars, Ruiz said.

Besides music, the Salsa Fest featured traditional Spanish food (comida criolla), arts and crafts and the Brooklyn Nets, with all kinds of activities for the children, as well as Latin Fever Dancers, and of course, sound provided by Studio1R.

“I wish I would have the pier twice or three times a year,” Ruiz laughed. “But it costs a lot of money.

“I am proud of what we’ve done and that we were able to raise the money. I’m truly grateful,” she exclaimed.

Ruiz considers the best part of the event to be, “Seeing the smiles and seeing the families come to the pier with their beach chairs. They feel safe,” she said, adding that it makes her happy.

“Each and every vendor and community based organization showcased their pride in our community and never for a minute was there a dull moment. Brooklyn Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes expressed his Boricua power and Italia Guerrero Granshaw of the Brooklyn Borough President’s office representing Marty Markowitz proclaimed Boricua Festival Day,” said the Boricua Festival Committee in a statement.

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