First Salsa Congress
The first Salsa Congress took place in 1997 in Puerto Rico, the promotor Eli Irizarri with 375 people from 19 different countries. It grew to have 800 participants by 1999.
In 1999 & 2001 a salsa tour, called the "Congreso Mundial de la salsa" promoted by All Stars Entertainment company & Barcardi spirit company took this festival around the world, from Miami, to Sydney and elsewhere. When it got to Los Angeles in 2000 it was picked up by a promoter Mr Albert Torres and Barcardi and it became the most successful salsa congresses in that city with over 3,000 participants. Since then Albert Torres continued to conduct the event without the help of Barcardi and contribute to the start up of Salsa Congresses around the world.
Mr Albert Torres.Thanks to all those people involved directly and indirectly from one continent to the other today can plan a holiday to any part of the world and attend a Salsa Congress or Festival.