If you’re hooked on the daily NYT Strands puzzle, you’re in for another treat. This fresh word game challenges your vocabulary and pattern recognition with clever themes each day.
Theme: “Encuentra el Ritmo”
Today’s Strands turned up the heat with a rhythmic celebration of Latin music! The theme Encuentra el Ritmo — Spanish for “Find the Rhythm” — invited solvers to move through the grid with passion, energy, and flair. Every answer pulsed with cultural rhythm and infectious beats.

Hints for Today’s Strands
- Dance Floor Vibes: Every word connects to Latin musical styles or genres.
- Global Influence: These rhythms come from across Latin America and beyond.
- Cultural Roots: Each genre carries deep heritage and identity.
- Dance Partner Needed: Many of these are famous for their partner moves.
- Spangram: The umbrella phrase that ties all these vibrant styles together.
- Language Clue: The title itself offers a hint — look for Spanish connections.
- Mixed Tempos: Some fast, some slow — all full of rhythm.
- Feel the Beat: You’ll recognize many from parties, festivals, or playlists!
Today’s Strands Answers
- SALSA – fiery and energetic, born in the Caribbean.
- SAMBA – Brazil’s heartbeat, full of carnival color.
- TANGO – dramatic and passionate, straight from Argentina.
- REGGAETON – modern Latin pop with an urban twist.
- MARIACHI – the soul of Mexico, filled with trumpets and heart.
- TEJANO – Tex-Mex fusion that blends culture and sound.

Spangram
LATIN MUSIC — the unifying rhythm that connects every beat, dance, and melody in today’s puzzle.
Solving Tips
- The title Encuentra el Ritmo is your biggest clue — “Find the Rhythm” screams music and dance.
- Spot the iconic ones first: SALSA, TANGO, and SAMBA.
- Once the music theme clicks, the spangram LATIN MUSIC flows naturally.
Why This Puzzle Was a Hit
November 7’s Strands was a global dance party in word form. With LATIN MUSIC tying it all together, it reminded us that rhythm is universal — no matter the language. It was pure joy from start to finish — colorful, cultural, and full of motion. Solvers didn’t just find words — they found rhythm, expression, and a bit of fiesta spirit!
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