Inside NYC’s lively secret dance parties where a bodega transforms into a rave — literally overnight

Under the cover of darkness, an unassuming bodega in the South Bronx transformed Friday into a bouncing secret dance club that only the most in-the-know New Yorkers had a chance of attending.

A line of eager party-goers wrapped around the Port Morris corner store, which seemingly shook from the excitement of dancers crowded on a makeshift floor that is usually lined with dining tables and merchandise shelves.

Behind the counter stood three DJs collectively known as MUNDO who delivered “rawness” instead of a bacon, egg and cheese — but revelers who stayed long enough at the all-night rave had a chance of enjoying both.

“I don’t know what ya’ll came here to do, but if you’re not dancing the door’s right there!” ordered DJ Flako from beneath a neon “order here” sign.

The Post attended the last “Bodega Rave” of the summer Friday, the conclusion of a five-part series of secret dance parties that invaded the deli that by day slings chicken wraps and cups of joe to blue-collar workers.

The parties are the brainchild of Flako, 33, and fellow MUNDO members Emilio Guari Quiñones, 31, and Rich Pascasio, 28, who said they are on a mission to bring a vibrant nightlife scene back to the Boogie Down.

The group of New York-bred DJs has brought their Latin fusion dance music to venues around the world, but struggled to find opportunities to play in their home borough. They considered settling on dance halls in Brooklyn or uptown Manhattan until they connected with the South Bronx bodega owner, who Flako described as a “Hungarian man just living the American dream.”

The location — which The Post was sworn to secrecy — provides the perfect scene for the trio’s mission: a counter to serve as a DJ booth, ample space to move and groove and an attached bar with a legal liquor license.

Plus, there’s nothing more authentic than a Big Apple deli, according to party-goers.

“It’s a feeling of real New York and what it used to be. That real, raw energy. The real soul of it,” Pascasio, 28 said.

Flako, who only goes by his stage name, added: “It’s really dope. It’s just us Bronx people getting down.”

During the day, visitors would never find any indication that the deli hosts such parties, however. The location is kept top secret until the day of the blockbuster bashes, when MUNDO briefly releases party details to those who connect through its social media channels.

But getting an invite doesn’t mean you’ll get in. The parties have exploded since its inaugural fete earlier this summer and routinely draw revelers from all five boroughs — and beyond — for the chance to get in on the dance circle.

“It feels really good to have to see that we’re nurturing a dance scene back in the Bronx,” Guari Quiñones said.

After hearing about the parties on social media, friends Marissa Fu and Nonnie Suki, both 24, left the comfort of Koreatown to get a look for themselves.

“It’s just cool. Having a music event in a bodega is not as common as going to the clubs. It’s just a cool experience and we want to explore,” Suki said.

Melania Garrido told The Post she has braved a 90-minute commute from Yonkers four times this summer to experience the secret raves.

Many of the attendees are fellow musicians deeply ingrained in the DJ scene, and told The Post that the parties are much more meaningful than an excuse to drink and dance.

“It’s a family affair,” said Dada Cozmic, a fellow DJ. “So many of us have been all over the place, across the world and to come back to this little corner of our hometown means everything. We all come from different spots and to be all around collect here tells us that the essence of who we are is where we’re from.”

Each show of the series slightly differs from its predecessors. MUNDO invites a rotating setlist of DJs to get in on the action, and Friday’s party included a surprise appearance by J Noa, an up-and-coming Dominican Republic-born rapper.

Genres and themes also jump around between reggaeton, juke and others throughout the night, which is a major draw for Bronx natives tired of hearing the same top 40.

“I just love seeing everyone together, everyone having fun and all the different varieties of music together with everybody being a community. It’s so hard to find a place where you feel connected to other people,” said Eirene Oji, 27, of Park Slope, calling the night a “collective experience.”

Oji was encouraged to make the trip across the city Friday by friend Christina Madera, 29, who said the bodega raves have fostered a “safe space” and a community mindset.

“It’s people that care about each other,” Madera said. “There’s no weirdos in there. No one is trying to grope of touch. It’s very special, people are respectful of each other and trying to have genuine fun.”

The dance parties typically last all night long — with no signs of stopping until the law forces the liquor to stop flowing at 4 a.m.

Only then does the MUNDO team pack it up and drag the dining tables and merchandise shelves back onto the dancefloor.

Promptly at 6 a.m., the grills turn back on and the bodega returns to its normal state, ready to serve the early risers on their way to work.