New Delhi, Apr 4 (IANS): Tango from Argentina, salsa from Colombia and much more will be on shown at the three day Latin American dance and music festival that starts here Saturday.

The event will bring to India three leading contemporary dance and music troupes from Latin America to promote understanding of Latino culture.

A variety of dance and musical performances such as folk dance Mariachi from Mexico by troupes like Mama Julia from Colombia, Folklorico Ballet and Tlen Huicani from Mexico and Tango Emotion from Argentina will be presented at the Siri Fort theatre.

The festival is being organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations with the support of the embassies of Mexico, Colombia and Argentina.

"The fiesta is yet another initiative by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to fulfil the vision of promoting culture as a powerful instrument of communication and building between diverse societies which is also the very basic element of Indian spirituality and civilsations," Suresh K. Goel, director general of ICCR, said.

Goel says that the "music and dance of Latin America celebrate life and energy".

The nine-member Mama Julia musical troupe from Colombia will open the event with a 70-minute concert. They play Afro-Colombian music with hip hop influences from the streets of Colombia. Their songs speak out on social issues and everyday life.