Phangan’s little sister island of Koh Tao is home to one of the hottest latin parties, a genre seeing more exposure down here in the Gulf of Thailand. ‘The Latin Party’ is held at BND Beach Club every week and we catch up with Sebas the organiser to find out more of this thriving scene.
Sebas aka Black Papa came to Koh Tao for the first time in 2009 whilst finishing a trip around Southeast Asia. He stopped in Koh Tao to get his Freediving education and fell in love with the island.
In that time his Latino relationship with the island started to show up and he started work as a Salsa Teacher, teaching together with his friend Rosita. Sebas then left and returned with the money and the goal to become a Dive Instructor and enjoy the tropical life on Koh Tao…
Hi Sebas, what’s your background in Latin parties?
When I was living in Barcelona I was full committed to the underground scene and the squats and social centres. I was also promoting and organising free or solidarity parties for many different causes. And fair to say, also partying hard, but that is something quite normal if you live in Barcelona hahaha!
What is your experience in latin dancing?
My Experience with the Latin rhythms comes since I was born probably. When I was a very young boy my Mum owned a Salsa Club in Quito, Ecuador. So Salsa, Merengue and Latin music in general was a part of daily life. Also I can say I had the luck to grow up in a very into-culture family, so music, art and books were everywhere.
Why did you decide to do a latin night on Koh Tao?
Everything started just as a party for friends. The very first party we made was between 3 friends, Manu and Sofi, beautiful crazy girls from Chile, and me. The first Party at ‘Moov’ was a huge success so I just went with the flow till now.
I think we did the party at the right time, the Latino population of the island is growing every year, probably I can say Spanish is the second language of the island by now. And if there is something that we the Latin People enjoy, it’s a good party where we can share and dance with friends and strangers.
What happens on the night?
Every week we run our Latin Party at BND Beach Club. It’s probably the most successful party right now on the island and it’s free for everyone, it doesn't matter where are you from or what language you speak.
As soon as we start playing our Latin groove, the party gets on fire. Dancing, laughs, fun and drinks are guaranteed.
What's the atmosphere like?
The Latin Party atmosphere I would call Playful. Everyone is in there to enjoy and interact with the others, dance and laugh with friends or strangers. Meet new people and make new friends. You won’t see a single sad face or a stressed attitude. People come to dance, to enjoy and play!
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
We are planning to do what we do best. Keep the mood up and share it with others. We just want to have our own party with the music we deeply feel and love, but if on top of this we can share it with more and more people, even better.
Any last words…?
I wish all the travelers to have a lovely trip and, also wish, they can come over to the Latin Party on Koh Tao and let us show them how good it feels to have a piece of the best of Latin America in SEA!!
Thank you and Abrazos Familia!
Keep up to date with The Latin Party dates and happenings on our Koh Tao events listings page which is updated daily!
(Photos courtesy of Mario Fernandez)
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