Latin Music and Salsa

Latin music is very common in countries where people speak Spanish and Portuguese. However, now people all over the world can enjoy it. This music comes from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. "Salsa" is one kind of Latin music. Big cities like Miami, New York, San Juan, Havana, or Panama City have their own kinds of salsa. Latin music is a mixture of European music and African music. It has a strong beat. Many years ago people played Latin music mostly on guitars with drums, but now whole orchestras with lots of other instruments play it. Latin music sounds very emotional. Composers of Latin music express their feelings in their music. Sometimes they are very happy, and sometimes they are sad. Ruben Blades and Juan Luis Guerra are two famous modern Latin American composers. They perform their own music with their own orchestras. People can play Latin music and salsa at home or when they visit their friends.

Sometimes salsa fans play cards in the afternoon or late at night on weekends or holidays while they listen to Latin music. Some people bring guitars and play them while they sing. The other people relax and enjoy the music, but they don't stop the card game. They roast or bake Latin food in the oven or fry it on top of the stove in oil. When the food is ready, they stop playing cards. They listen to music while they eat. The food tastes good.

People who dance enjoy Latin music because it is easy to dance to. The beat is very strong and interesting. Dancers can move their whole bodies. They can dance alone or with someone. Other people enjoy listening to Latin music. Usually, the words are in Spanish or Portuguese, but sometimes they are in English or other languages. Many Latin songs have beautiful words, but if a person does not understand them, it is not important. A person can still enjoy the music. The sound is international.