La Matraca
La Matraca is a tango dance hall at Carrera 11 #22-80, Barrio Obrero, open since 1964. It opens Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon, with tango, milonga, bolero and salsa.
- Hours
- Friday and Saturday 6:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; Sunday 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.; closed Monday to Thursday (checked on 2026-10-13).
- Price
- Pay for what you order (see menu); for special events they ask for advance reservations
- Duration
- 2 to 4 hours
- Address
- Carrera 11 #22-80, Barrio Obrero, Cali
It started as the Parra family's neighborhood store. The name came from Clímaco Parra's record player, which sounded like a matraca (a wooden rattle). Today it's run by Jaime Parra and Leyda Santa, who keep it going as a dance hall and cultural center.
Outside there's a mural of Carlos Gardel; inside, walls lined with photos of tango singers, pennants and colored lights. Besides tango you'll hear milonga, bolero, Cuban son and salsa. Once a month they hold an end-of-month milonga with couples dancing exhibitions.
It stayed open after the August 10, 2026 earthquake. In September it held a fundraising milonga, and on October 9 it celebrated its 62nd anniversary with a party to help rebuild a house in the neighborhood that the earthquake destroyed.
What to see
- The Carlos Gardel mural on the facade.
- The walls covered in photos of tango singers.
- Couples dancing tango and milonga on the floor.
Getting there
- Taxi or ride-hailing app to Carrera 11 and Calle 22, in Barrio Obrero.
- It's about three blocks from Melassa and the Museo de la Salsa.
Tips
- Check Instagram to find out when the end-of-month milonga is.
- Sunday afternoon is the calmest time to get to know it.
- Arrive and leave by taxi booked through an app.
FAQ
Do you need to know how to dance tango?
No. Many people go to watch and listen to the music. They also play bolero and salsa.
What days is it open?
Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 4:00 p.m.
Is it still open after the earthquake?
Yes. In September and October 2026 it held milongas and celebrated its 62nd anniversary.
