Salsa has a wide range of different variations from country to country, and from club to club. The exact origin on Salsa brings about one of the biggest debates in the world of dance.

There exists an ongoing discussion on the exact origin of salsa. Many people believe that it originates from the Cubans. Because of the social and political pressures and restraints enforced in Cuba and Puerto Rico  in the 30’s, many people emigrated or fled into the cities of the U.S.A including New York. These emigrants from the Caribbean blended several music styles together. 

The term "Salsa" was created in New York. The dance style has an Hispanic origin and was cultivated in New York. 

The term refers to a variety of Hispanic musical styles: Rhumba, Són Montuno, Guaracha, Mambo, Cha cha cha, Danzón, Són, Guguanco, Cubop, Guajira, Charanga, Cumbia, Plena, Bomba, Festejo, Merengue, among others. 

Many of these have maintained their individuality and others were mixed creating "Salsa". We can therefore conclude that not one single country or culture can take the credit for the existence of Salsa.