The 68th edition of the Cali Fair 2025 now has its musical anthem: “Para Cali”, created by maestro Marino Luis. The song was selected through an orchestra contest and will honor the city and its salsa tradition during events from December 25 to 30.
The song “Para Cali” was chosen as the winner of the Ruta de la Salsa Orchestra Contest, an initiative by Cali's Secretariat of Culture in partnership with Bavaria and Detonante. This 68th edition of the Cali Fair, scheduled from December 25 to 30, will feature over 50 cultural and artistic activities to bolster local identity through music and dance.
Marino Luis composed, arranged, produced, and directed the piece. Recorded under the Cuaryen label, it features voices from prominent salsa artists including Willy García, Jimmy Saa, Harold Saa, Eddy Saa, Beto Kalé, Andrés Viafara, and Dosac. The track stands out for its danceable rhythm and catchy chorus that embodies the flavor of the caleño dancer, emerging spontaneously as per its creator. The lyrics pay tribute to Cali, its people, and key salsa figures.
The contest was promoted by Mayor Alejandro Eder to enhance the city's musical ecosystem and establish Cali as the world's salsa capital. Leydi Higidio, the Culture Secretary, highlighted that such efforts spotlight local artistic proposals, revive salsa pride, and position Cali on the global stage. Plans are in place to continue the contest in future Fair editions, ensuring younger generations appreciate this artistic legacy.