Stay updated with breaking news from Batey cacata. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Pretty, right? but as recently as the 1950s, it was against the law to fly it anywhere in the country. why? because it was a symbol of independence. the ban is gone now. but so is the original flag. the shade of blue was changed to match the good old stars and stripes. but through it all, bomba has survived. [percussive music] it s incredible how, sometimes, culture can disappear. but a few people can bring it back to life. and then, it has a whole new existence. - we lost a lot. - when we talk about bombas, we have the drums. - yeah, yeah. - and they actually have two roles. we have one that keeps the groove going. [percussive music] - we call that. - buleador. - and we also have. he s the one who actually provides notes on the drum. - there s also the. the space where we play, which is batey. - batey, yes. - batey is basically the center of the community. anybody from the community can come learn and play. ....
Now quick, point, side, point. there you go. that s a basic step. and now we re just going to move through the space. we call this el paseo. it s like taking a stroll. - right. - so when you re ready to start, you look for the primo. you salute. and let s start carrerita. there you go. quicker now. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. and now jump. say goodbye. - well, that was hot. that was hot, man. - yeah. looking good. - really good. that was good. that was nice. - so you re good? yeah, yeah, real good. that s - so do you want to go to the batey? - yeah, let s go to the batey. - let s go. - [chuckles] [gentle music] now you ll see all the people gathering here. and they ll they ll sing their heart out all night. - it already sounds incredible. - yeah, man. [all singing in spanish] - walking towards the batey, the ceremonial space, is an emotional experience. ....
Through dance, song, and music the people here both tell stories and experience them. they become a part of them. - [singing in spanish] - even this space, the batey, connects them directly to the indigenous taíno roots of this island, reminded to never forget the past. [all singing in spanish] [gentle music] - [singing in spanish] music (“i swear”) plays jaycee tried gain flings for the first time the other day. and forgot where she was. [buzz] you can always spot a first timer. gain flings with oxi boost and febreze. ....
Which is batey. - batey, yes. - batey is basically the center of the community. anybody from the community can come learn and play. - right. - it s not - so it s open. it s open to everyone. - yeah, it s very open, batey. - yeah, yeah. - so it s every friday, we play our hearts out and - and so you re going to do that tonight. you re going to play your hearts out. - of course. - we are. we can take you there. - oh, i can t wait. - but i would like to show you some steps so you can - yeah, please. so i don t show up, like, you know - yeah, man. - [chuckles] so you can have some - unarmed. - but ok. let s do it. - if i were to be dancing, i say hello to the drummer. and i would move. - yo, this is totally off the chain. there s a call and response between dancer and drummer. you re not dancing to their beats. the drummer plays the beats that go with your steps. - so he has to keep up with you? - yeah. - exactly. - you re setting the tone of the beat. - i need to be aware of what ....
- with every slap on the drums, you start to feel the heartbeat of this place. through dance, song, and music the people here both tell stories and experience them. they become a part of them. - [singing in spanish] - even this space, the batey, connects them directly to the indigenous taíno roots of this island, reminded to never forget the past. [all singing in spanish] [gentle music] - [singing in spanish] when you re ready to go but static and wrinkles are like, nooooo! ....