Bomba in San Juan
In Puerto Rico there are two main families that practice and carry on the tradition of bomba, the Ayalas of Loíza and the Cepedas of San Juan. The tradition is not limited to these two families, and is practiced all over the island of Puerto Rico as well as in the diaspora of Caribbean people in the US. In New Jersey the surrounding metro areas of New York City and Philadelphia, these traditions are practiced by people of Puerto Rican Heritage as well as other Caribbean and surrounding areas. Anyone who learns the traditions of bomba is encouraged to travel to the island to experience how it is practiced as a rich, living cultural tradition.
On our 2009 cultural exchange trip, Raíces not only attended the Fiestas de Santiago Apostol, but also attended bombazos throughout the San Juan area to experience the different styles and family lineages.