Several orchestras that stand as benchmarks of Cuban dance music will share the stage Friday at the Estación Cultural de Línea y 18, in the nation's capital — the venue selected this year to host the tenth edition of the Salsa Festival.

Los Van Van, Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco, Yasser Ramos y su Tumbao Mayombe, and Papucho y Manana Club will join forces to headline the inaugural concert of an event that runs through March 1. The festival will also feature DJs from various regions of the world, as well as dance instructors Maykel Fonts and Jennyselt Galata.

Additional ensembles and performers round out the lineup, including Alexander Abreu y Havana D'Primera, Haila María Mompié, Juan Guillermo, Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor, Alain Pérez, and Elito Revé y su Charangón.

"The festival has a loyal audience, including those who visit us from different parts of the world, as well as Cuban dancers who are passionate about popular dance music," said Maykel Blanco in an exclusive interview with Prensa Latina.

The artist and president of the Organizing Committee also highlighted the excellent conditions of the venue for hosting the event and the efforts made to keep it on schedule as originally planned.

The tenth edition of the Salsa Festival is proud to welcome 16 orchestras and admirers of dance music who each year attend what stands as the largest celebration dedicated to the genre in Cuba.