A cultural residency rooted in return, resistance, and rhythm
Summer 2025 | Santurce, Puerto Rico
Welcome to La Sala
This summer, Diaspo Rico and Casa Saffra transform a home in Santurce into La Sala Libre—a 7-weekend residency and creative house that reclaims space for la cultura, la memoria y el jangueo con propósito. From late-night DJ sets and live performances to deep community conversations and local vendors, La Sala is el living room del pueblo.
Sala Chat: Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá? Diasporican Identity in Motion
What does it mean to be diasporican—to live between aquí y allá, constantly in motion?
🌍 This convo dives into belonging, identity, and navigating the in-between.
Featuring:
🎤 Dr. Yomaira C. Figueroa-Vásquez
🎤 Brianna Alvarado Ramos (Diaspora Palante Colectiva)
🎤 Dr. Keishla Rivera-López
🎙 Moderated by Vianca Vélez
📚 Co-presented with CENTRO
Un espacio pa’ reflect, compartir, y imagine our Boricua futures desde la diáspora hasta la isla.
Sala Chat: Coming Home with Care — The Ethics of Return
As more Boricuas from the diaspora consider or attempt to “come back home,” this conversation dives into the how and why of returning—ethically, responsibly, and with care.
Through a deeply personal and political lens, this Sala Chat gathers three powerful voices navigating the in-between: 🎤 Yasmin Hernandez — visual artist and writer whose work centers on decolonization and ancestral return.
🎤 Debbie Perez — creator of Boriken Podcast and cultural producer documenting diasporic memory.
🎤 Elliott Lassi — storyteller, activist, and featured subject in the Diaspo Rico media project.
Together, they’ll explore the emotional and ethical tensions of migration, homecoming, and identity reclamation—especially in a context of gentrification, displacement, and crisis colonialism.
Many Spaces, One Purpose
La Sala Libre is designed around multiple dynamic areas that invite you to engage, reflect, and build together:
Experiential Space
Home to the Diaspo Rico installation and testimonial booth, this is a space to pause, listen, and share stories of migration, return, and identity.
Multimedia displays + audio portraits
Record your own migration story in the booth
A space to witness, remember, and imagine new futures
El Jangueo
Where the rhythm meets the resistance. This is our gathering space for:
Sala Sessions: DJ Sets + Listening Sessions
Sala Chats: talks on gentrification, diasporican identity, queer futures & more
Perreo, poetry, and political education—todo junto
La Cafetera + La Marketa
Refuel, support local, and connect with community:
Cafe Saffra: Chill café corner with rotating food & drink vendors
Shop La Marketa, a curated pop-up featuring local brands, artisans, and Boricua entrepreneurs
Hang out, talk story, and build con cariño
Fridays from 12 PM to 8 PM | Saturdays & Sundays from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Casa Saffra-La Placita Santurce | 262 Calle Canals, San Juan
Every weekend features a curated mix of:
Live DJs & Open Decks
Sala Sessions: Performances & Poetry
Outdoor Film Nights
Sala Chats (Community Conversations)
La Marketa: Local Vendors & Pop-Ups
La Cafetera: Café & Bochinche Zone
Sign up below to be the first to see it.
WEEKLY PROGRAMMING
Migration in Motion
On view during the residency: Diaspo Rico, the transmedia storytelling project by Mikey Cordero, explores the journeys of Puerto Rican families across migration, memory, and return. Featuring portraits, films, and interactive installations that span generations.
Also screening: short films & documentaries on gentrification, identity, and Puerto Rican resistance.
Thank you to our contributors:
Connect With Us
262 Calle Canals
San Juan, PR 00907
Hours
Friday–Sunday
10am–7pm