Things like we americanos sit at a show, maybe we tap a toe, quietly listen and, at the end, we clap. There are obvious cultural differences – these are generalizations of course, but it is funny to notice – that the singer pointed it out, in a story. The night we went, we were the only turistos there. There was one dancer with this group, but many people from the audience got up and took turns dancing. The dancer moves his/her shoulders, arms, legs, butt, and skirt in different speeds and ways, and the drummer matches the rhythms. The dancer dances to this drummer, who matches his drum beats to the dancer’s movements. There are a number of drummers, and a “primary” drummer. Note – We went on Halloween, so some of the dancers and musicians are dressed a little unusually! After that, the music and dancing starts. The show starts at 6pm (or so) with a workshop about Bomba. The songs and descriptions were all in Spanish, but you can enjoy the music, dance and total experience. With that being said, if you are interested in experiencing a piece of the 'real' Puerto Rico, you will really enjoy it. It is a community program, where families can come together and enjoy and participate in traditional music and dancing. This is not a 'show' in the sense of choreographed moves and costumes. Right off the bat, I will say this is not for your average tourist. They have a 'community center' located on the waterfront on Torrecilla Lagoon in Piñones.Occasionally, usually on a Saturday evening, they hold a Toques de Bomba y Plena, featuring Bomba and plena music, which is open to anyone who wants to attend. COPI ( The Corporación Piñones Se Integra in Spanish) is a community-based, non-profit organization that is committed to helping the Piñones community. The area is not rich money-wise, but it is rich in its heritage, culture and natural resources. Just minutes away from Isla Verde and San Juan, it is home to generations of families who have lived in the community for more than 400 years. The town of Loiza, and the community of Piñones, reflects the richness of the island’s Afro-Puertorrican culture and traditions, especially in the form of music, food and crafts. Each of these cultures had its own music, food, dances and traditions, that have come together and evolved into the Puerto Rico we know today. It has been influence by the Taino Indians, the Spanish and the African slaves. One of the things that makes Puerto Rico unique is its mixture of cultures. They do have Bomba classes on most Saturdays mornings, which you are welcome to come and watch. It is best to watch their Facebook events page or check our events calendar for updates. These dance events come and go- they are not scheduled monthly anymore.

Bomba dance