DJ Carlos Juan Santiago highlights 60-year Orchard Beach ‘Sundays of Salsa’ tradition

DJ Carlos Juan Santiago, the longtime organizer of the Sundays of salsa at Orchard Beach, described the gatherings as a multigenerational family tradition that has run for roughly 60 years. “Era una familia, era la misma gente casi todas las semanas,” he said, recalling how families came weekly and how the event grew into a summer institution in the Bronx.

Carlos said the series traces back to an original organizer, Ernie Ensley, who brought Palladium‑era recorded orchestras and dancers to the beach. He said he began his musical career at 13 through New York public‑school music programs and later took on the event’s organization: “Yo llevo ahora 25 años organizando esto,” he said. The events are held in Section 5 of Orchard Beach and, Carlos said, attract visitors from other states and countries.

Organizers emphasize the family atmosphere — spaces for children, parks nearby and a sense of extended community — and present the series as cultural preservation rather than a commercial venture. Carlos said he wants the event to continue for future generations and that the nonprofit he announced will help institutionalize that stewardship.