Do the rules and restrictions associated with entering a contest like the Mono Núñez affect the musicians' artistic freedom? In this segment, our host and musicians examine that question.

“Perlas” (“Pearls”) is the first track on the 2011 album by the Spanish rock/punk band, “El Columpio Asesino" ("The Assassin Swing") from Pamplona.

This segment explores the extent to which the musicians at the Mono Núñez festival combine formal training with natural instinct to make their traditional Colombian music.

As we reach the finals stage of the Mono Núñez festival in Colombia, our host attempts to create a "Latin American integration" as well as continuing to explore the individual journeys of the participating groups.

"Indeleble" is the title track from the Venezuelan rock band, Los Mesoneros' 2011 album of the same name.

Chico Trujillo is a New Chilean Cumbia band merging cumbia, ska, reggae and rock, among other styles. Enjoy this musical video where they perform "Fuera de mi vida."

See Madrid from a different perspective. Our friend, Andrés, shares with us his favorite spot in the city: the rooftop of El Círculo de Bellas Artes.

This politically charged tune, rife with language that will get you sent to the principal’s office on at least three continents, won the Latin Grammy award for best video in 2003. Note that native speakers instantly recognize that much of the Spanish is sung in an exaggerated “gringo” accent, so you may not want to imitate it!!

Salsa dancing arrived in the city of Cali, Colombia in the sixties. It became deeply ingrained in the city's popular culture and is still danced there today

Swing Latino, one of Colombia's most prestigious salsa dance schools, trains its students with strict discipline. The best will go on to perform in shows and contests throughout the world.

The Director of the Cervantes Institute in London talks about its role in promoting not only the renowned Spanish author's work but also the Spanish language and culture throughout the world.

Renowned Colombian poet Mary Grueso Romero recites a poem eroticizing the cuisine of the Colombian Pacific.

Región mundo takes us inside a day of intense rehearsals at Swing Latino, one of Colombia's most prestigious salsa dance schools..

In this segment of Región mundo, dancers from Swing Latino, one of Colombia's most prestigious salsa dance schools, talk about some potential injuries that can occur and the importance of continuing a performance despite them. They also offer insight into the increasing trend of men dancing together.

The Chief Librarian at the Cervantes Institute in London tells us about the library's resources and users as well as what it is like to work there.