When reminiscing about my site visit to Cartagena Colombia the first few things that come to my mind are Music & Dancing. Colombians don’t listen to music, they live it. Dancing has been an integral aspect of Colombian cultures for centuries. Music is a passion that reflects the great culture, regional and ancestral diversity of its people and geography. In the few short days of my visit I was able to see numerous traditional and modern styles performed in Cartagena.

Bambuco is a traditional folkloric dance, which is pretty much a fusion between Spanish and indigenous styles, though it does have African roots as well. Nowadays, its popularity is not as it used to be, but at the same time, it has impacted many other modern genres.

Champeta is said to have originated from Colombia’s Atlantic/Caribbean coast, specifically Cartagena and Barranquilla. Champeta was considered controversial by many Colombians due to its lyrics and rebellious vibe. Many considered it too sexual and unsophisticated. Champeta is now considered one of Colombia’s most popular music genres; it can be found in bars and clubs all over the country. Its drum beat rhythm is catchy and easy to dance to.

Now for my favorite dance, CUMBIA! Cumbia is Colombia’s national dance. It was born on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, where indigenous Colombians, African slaves and Spanish colonists mixed. Known for its signature rhythm, it was originally an African courtship dance that evolved with the addition of African, European and indigenous instruments and indigenous dance steps.

It’s no wonder why they dubbed Colombia the “Land of a thousand rhythms. In short, no trip to Colombia is complete without hearing and experiencing some of the country’s most celebrated music. Be on the lookout for dance classes listed on our trip excursions page, in the months to follow.

-Bel

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