Beginning Friday, May 22nd, the Bookoo Rueda Cultural Association (BRCA) and Congo Square Preservation Society celebrate the profound and longstanding ties between Cuba and the US with three days of dance pop-ups and events.

From the ferry that carried musicians and dancers back and forth between the Crescent City and Havana up until the Cold War, to the continuous and enthusiastic dialogue that shaped modern jazz, the two port cities have historically had a cultural and musical relationship unlike any other American city.

“Afro-Cuban rhythms are woven into the DNA of New Orleans Jazz,” said DistrictofCuba.com editor Heather Hodges in a press release.

BRCA was founded in 2014 by New Orleans natives Chaille Mount and Kevin Braxton to highlight New Orleans’ historical ties with Cuba and set the foundation for a yearly Cuban dance festival.

“This last year has seen thaw in the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba – there was a direct flight between New Orleans and Havana for the first time since 1959 — so it’s perfect timing,” said Mount in a press release.

The weekend-long fiesta kicks off at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 22nd with a welcome party at the Dragon’s Den.

On Saturday May 23rd, master Cuban dance instructor and founder of popular Atlanta-based Cuban dance event “SalsAtlanta” Julian Mejia will join BRCA for a “Timba Party” and dance lessons at Galvez Restaurant (914 North Peters) from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets for the party cost $15, with lessons at additional charge.

The following day, Sunday the 24th, brings a poolside brunch at the Country Club beginning at 10 a.m., a dance in Congo Square from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a “Bourbon Street Invasion” from 9 p.m. on.

“New Orleans is magical place for fans of Cuban culture and Afro-Cuban culture, specifically,” continued Hodges. “The ties that exist between New Orleans and Cuba are profound.”

Bookoo Rueda provides the perfect opportunity to kick up your heels and embrace this age-old relationship.