This past weekend I (Andrea) headed to the Big Easy for Dile Que Nola’s 2nd Toda La Familia weekender. Last year I had a blast, and this year did not disappoint either. In this week’s post I dive into my experience.
What was Included?
The full pass was $99 Early Bird and $119 Regular price. It included:
- Friday and Saturday Parties w/ 3 DJs for the weekend
- Danceable Lecture by Daybert Linares (Son y Casino)
- 5 workshops on Saturday
- Sunday Timba at the Park
Other scheduled activities with an additional cost included:
- Friday After-party
- Catered lunch
- Hop it Like It’s Hot
- Casinero Brunch (pay for your coffee and beignets)
What classes did I take?
- “Son Para Gozar: Dancing Casino Beyond Timba” Danceable Lecture w/Daybert Linares (Son y Casino)
- Rueda de Casino w/ Christopher (Fuakata)
- Son Cubano w/ Adrian & Amanda (DC Casineros)
- Rumba Guaguanco w/ Kati (Oricha Therapy)
- Suelta con Afro w/ Clarita (Timba Con Tó)
My favorite part?
No surprises, my favorite part was the social dancing, USA casineros brought the energy. Everyone brought flavor all weekend. Plus, people were hooked on the music, shoutout to the DJs who cultivated the energy.
Thank you to our dear friend Cristina Mayela for helping with pictures and videos.
Overall Takeaways
Seeing and dancing with Casinero Familia from the US is always the best. This weekender was worth every single penny. Not to mention they are a non-profit so supporting them is needed, and this weekender serves as their annual fundraiser. The heat in New Orleans was unreal, but didnt come close to the energy and fun on the dance floor. As always, the DJs were outstanding as usual.
Huge shout out to the instructors, there were a variety of classes that kept everyone involved and dancing. It’s always nice to learn, and take home elements to add into our dancing.
The organizers deserve a huge applause because they communicated everything clearly and took everyone’s suggestions in consideration. Even with the heat they provided fans, water, popsicles and even fruit to keep everyone cool while dancing outdoor. Truly it was family taking care of each other.
If you’re thinking of going, DO IT! Because it’s a yearly family reunion not to be missed. I just know 2024 will be amazing, and hopefully we will see each other there. Don’t be like Alexa who is bummed she had to miss out.
Let me know in the comments if you were at Toda La Familia 2023, and what your favorite part was. Don’t forget to check out our Travel page, so you can meet up with your Casino cousins sooner rather than later.
Bueno…ya tu sabes.
Ya Tu Sabes 