BOMBAntillana
Why Support BOMBAntillana Today?
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BOMBAntillana, founded by Eli Pabon, is a collective of people of all ages and backgrounds, coming together to connect to ourselves, each other, and our ancestors through the powerful art form of Bomba. Based in Boston, BOMBAntillana explores the deep history of Bomba, learning traditional songs and rhythms, and practicing the art of movement and improvisation to tell our stories.
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As one of the oldest living musical traditions of Borikén (Puerto Rico), Bomba reflects the powerful forces of history - shaped by the West African and Taino experiences on the island during Spanish rule and beyond. Created for creative expression, healing, resistance, and even secret escape plans during times of enslavement, Bomba remains a vital tool for personal and communal empowerment. Through Bomba, we release what no longer serves us, making space for the blessings to come.​​​​
Help us achieve our mission by donating to our End of year fund by clicking here to be redirected to our fiscal sponsors page. BOMBAntillana is fiscally sponsored by Boston Dance Alliance, Inc., a 501(c)(3)nonprofit tax-exempt organization. Contributions in support of BOMBAntillana's work are greatly appreciated and may be made to Boston Dance Alliance, Inc., earmarked for BOMBAntillana. All contributions are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
2024 Highlights
This year has been significant for BOMBAntillana! We hosted more weekly Bomba workshops than ever before, presented at over 30 venues, events, and festivals across Massachusetts and New Jersey, and taught at 12 school and after school programs throughout the state. With support from the City of Boston Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture Neighborhood Activation Grant and the Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Better Beaches grant, we hosted Bomba Sunday Sessions in Jamaica Plain and engaged the community with our Bomba by the Sea: Ola De La Mar activations at Constitution Beach. These activations led to invitations for BOMBAntillana to perform at esteemed institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, and the Inaugural Embrace Masso International Music Festival.​​
​​Looking Ahead to 2025
In 2025, we will deepen our exploration of Bomba by hosting Master Instructors and Elders from the Bomba community in Puerto Rico and preparing for and participating in the 13th Encuentro de Tambores in Borikén (Puerto Rico). BOMBAntillana has direct access to several living legends in the bomba community, both in Puerto Rico and the U.S. and we’re actively bringing these cultural icons to Boston to lead workshops, masterclasses, and performances. These esteemed teachers have shaped the tradition of Bomba over the past 70 years, and their knowledge will enrich our collective experience, ensuring Bomba thrives across generations.
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Some of these legends were introduced to us through our past participation in the Encuentro de Tambores as part of the Diaspora Delegation. The Encuentro is a celebration of Bomba bringing together musicians, dancers, and cultural enthusiasts dedicated to preserving this art form around the world. This celebration of Bomba reinforces cultural pride, community solidarity, and provides a platform for artists to share their passion and knowledge.
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As part of the Encuentro’s Diaspora Delegation of nearly 200 Bomba practitioners from across the U.S., BOMBAntillana will engage in months of virtual rehearsals and immersion in preparation for one in-person rehearsal before performing at the Encuentro. In the months leading up to and following the Encuentro, BOMBAntillana participants will demonstrate the discipline and dedication required to fully gain from such an immersive and transformational experience as well as share it with the rest of the community in Boston.​​
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How You Can Help
​Your donation will help bring Bomba Elders and Master teachers from Puerto Rico and the diaspora to Boston, enriching our local community through workshops and performances. Your contribution will also directly support BOMBAntillana participants who need financial assistance to participate in the 13th Annual Encuentro de Tambores in Spring 2025.
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Every dollar you donate helps us:
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Provide travel and participation support for BOMBAntillana participants attending the Encuentro.
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Bring Bomba Masters to Boston to teach, inspire, and elevate our community.
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Continue our commitment to cultural preservation and education through free and accessible community programming.
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Join us in preserving Bomba and supporting the next generation of practitioners. Your donation ensures that this powerful tradition of healing, resistance, and celebration continues to thrive in Greater Boston.
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Click here to donate today through our fiscal sponsor, Boston Dance Alliance
and help us preserve the beautiful art form of Bomba!
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​​​In Gratitude, Strength & Solidarity,
BOMBAntillana
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