An unassuming warehouse in the South Bronx was transformed under the cover of darkness Friday into a lively, secret dance club open only to the most savvy New Yorkers.
A line of eager partygoers surrounded the Port Morris Corner store, seemingly trembling with excitement from the dancers crowding the makeshift floor usually lined with dining tables and shelves.
Behind the counter stood three DJs, known collectively as MUNDO, who served up “raw flavors” in place of bacon, eggs and cheese. But drinkers who stayed at all-night raves long enough had the chance to enjoy both.
“I don't know what you're here for, but if you're not dancing, the door is right there!” I ordered from DJ Flako from under the neon “Order Here” sign.
The Post attended the last “bodega rave” of the summer on Friday. It was the culmination of a five-part secret dance party in which he invaded a deli where he threw chicken wraps and cups of Joe to blue-collar workers during the day.
The party is the brainchild of Flaco, 33, and fellow MUNDO members Emilio Guari Quiñones, 31, and Rich Pascasio, 28, who are bringing back Boogie Down's vibrant nightlife scene. He said he has a mission.
The New York-raised DJ group has been taking their Latin fusion dance music to venues around the world, but struggled to find opportunities to perform locally. They considered settling in a dance hall in Brooklyn or uptown Manhattan, but not until they contacted the owner of a South Bronx bodega, whom Flaco described as “a Hungarian guy just living the American dream.” .
The location, which the Post was sworn to secrecy, is the perfect scene for the trio's mission, with a counter that doubles as a DJ booth, plenty of space to move and groove, and an attached bar with a legal liquor license. Provide.
Plus, according to partygoers, there's nothing more authentic than a Big Apple deli.
“It's the feeling of real New York and what New York used to be. That real raw energy. The very soul of it,” said Pascasio, 28.
Flaco, who only goes by his stage name, added: It's just us Bronx people coming down. ”
Stefano Giovannini
But during the day, visitors will never find any signs that the deli is hosting such a party. The location will be kept top secret until the day of the blockbuster bash, when MUNDO will temporarily release party details to those who connect through its social media channels.
However, just because you receive an invitation does not mean you can participate. Since the first celebrations were held earlier this summer, the party has exploded, with revelers coming from all five boroughs and beyond for a chance to join in the dancing circle. We meet regularly.
“It's great to see the dance scene growing in the Bronx,” Guari Quiñones said.
After hearing about the party on social media, friends Marissa Fu and Nonie Suki, both 24, left their comfortable Koreatown to look for them.
“It's just cool. Having a music event at a bodega isn't as common as going to a club. It's just a cool experience and we want to explore it,” Suki said. .
Melania Garrido told the Post that she made the 90-minute commute from Yonkers four times this summer to experience secret raves.
The attendees, many of whom are fellow musicians deeply ingrained in the DJ scene, told the Post that the party was much more than an excuse to drink and dance.
“This is a family affair,” said fellow DJ Dada Cosmic. “Many of us have been all over the world, but coming back to this little corner of our hometown means everything. We all come from different places and we all come together here. It tells us that our true nature is where we come from.”
Each show in the series is slightly different from the previous show. MUNDO has invited a rotating setlist of DJs to attend the event, and Friday's party included a surprise appearance from up-and-coming Dominican Republic-born rapper J Noa.
Genres and themes jump between reggaeton, juke, and more throughout the night, making it a big draw for Bronx natives tired of hearing the same Top 40.
“I love it when everyone is together, everyone is having fun, and everyone becomes a community and watches different types of music together. It's so hard to find a place where you can feel connected to other people. '' said Eileen Orge, 27, of Park Slope, calling the night a “collective experience.''
Oji said Friday that his friend Christina Madera, 29, encouraged him to travel around the city, and that the bodega raves fostered a “safe space” and a sense of community.
“It's people looking out for each other,” Madera said. “There's no weirdos there. No one's trying to touch you. It's very special and people respect each other and really try to have fun.”
The dance parties usually last all night, with no sign of stopping until 4 a.m., when the law prohibits the spilling of alcoholic beverages.
Only then does the MUNDO team pack it up and drag the dining table and shelves back to the dance floor.
As soon as 6 a.m., the grills will be turned back on and the bodega will be back to normal, ready to serve early risers heading to work.
