In 2008 working as a USAF/DOD Civilian Employee and having lived in this (ethnically Colorful and) beautiful Florida's Emerald Coast since 1981; I decided to bring to life an idea that had been brewing on my mind since a few years after arriving in this paradise of a region. Hello, my name is Jose L Garcia and I am originally from Puerto Rico. This is the real story about this great event held annually on the third Saturday of June (Or, one day prior to Father's Day Sunday). The pre-Latin Salsa Music Festival event days started at the EGLIN AFB property on Okaloosa Island as a “Caribbean Beach Party” where unexpectedly, over 500 residents of the Florida panhandle, mainly military connected people, from Pensacola to Panama City gathered for a day of live and DJAY music, food and folklore, making it feel like a “mini festival”.
In 2009, the “Latin Salsa Festival” was officially born and since, have been grown to nearly and some say; “over 5,000 event's fans!
The 11th (including the first gathering at Eglin) such event is scheduled to take place at the same place it has been held since 2009 but now named LATIN SALSA MUSIC FESTIVAL. As since the Beach Party days, the Latin Salsa Music Festival closes the days festivities with the Puerto Rican original and popular Afro/Taina/Puerto Rican genre PLENAS and BOMBAS!! Come on out! Enjoy it! It's free and family friendly! Seasonal visitors are especially welcomed as they can experience and enjoy the Caribbean flavored event and feel they have visited the islands!! call 850-240-4417 for your sponsorship offer or as vendor participants
