BOMBAntillana
Bomba, from Borikén (Puerto Rico), connects us to a vital part of American and Caribbean history—one that risks being erased if not intentionally preserved, as our ancestors have done for generations. Thanks to families such as the Cepeda, Ayala, and Alduén, among others, Bomba as an art form has been passed down through the centuries, often kept hidden for survival.
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Today, Bomba offers an engaging way for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore Puerto Rico’s often-overlooked history while creatively expressing musicality, cultural connection, and improvisation.
BOMBAntillana hosts Bomba Sessions to keep this tradition alive—through Sunday Sessions, Birthday Bombasos, community workshops (talleres), and special events, sometimes held separately, and other times combined.
Everyone is welcome to participate in all of BOMBAntillana's offerings, regardless of age, ability, or background. These sessions are designed to support anyone interested in learning about, preserving, and/or celebrating this beautiful tradition—while also building community and increasing self-awareness.
BOMBAntillana Sunday Sessions:
Talleres/Workshops in Bomba Music & Movements
BOMBAntillana Sunday Sessions:
Talleres/Workshops in Bomba Music & Movements
BOMBAntillana's Sunday Sessions are community talleres / workshops in Bomba music & movements led by long-time Bomba practitioner, singer, dancer, and percussionist Eli Pabón, with ongoing support from members of the BOMBAntillana collective.
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People of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to explore and experience all the elements of Bomba - from learning percussion to singing songs to dancing. Bomba-themed arts & crafts available for the littles and the littles within us.
Upcoming Bomba Music & Movements Sunday Sessions:
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Dates: Sundays October 5 - November 16, 2025 (EXCEPT October 12), 3PM - 4PM​
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Location: Spontaneous Celebrations, 2nd floor, 45 Danforth St, Boston, MA 02130
BOMBAntillana Bombasos!
BOMBAntillana Bombasos!
BOMBAntillana brings together professional Bomba musicians and practitioners of all levels for periodic Community Bombasos in different locations throughout Greater Boston.
Sometimes we host them ourselves, and sometimes we're invited by others who want to bring Bomba into their neighborhoods, events, parties, schools, workplaces, and more.
Upcoming Community Bombasos:
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Saturday October 11, 2025, 1pm-2:30PM : Arlington's Indigenous People's Day Celebration with BOMBAntillana, 630 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA (info here) FREE
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Sunday October 12, 2025, event 12:30-4PM (BOMBAntillana presentation around 3PM): Indigenous People's Day at Tufts University, Joyce Cummings Center Ballroom, 177 College Ave, Medford MA
FREE!
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Thursday November 13, 2025 (details TBD): Birthday Bombaso with BOMBAntillana -- A monthly community celebration honoring lives born each month. We are kicking off this new tradition celebrating BOMBAntillana's 8th year anniversary/birthday! Let us know if your birthday is coming up and stay tuned for details!
​Want to bring a Bombaso to your next gathering?
Or be added to our contact list (email and/or WhatsApp) to get updates on upcoming Bombasos?
BOMBAntillana's annual event: Bomba By The Sea!
BOMBAntillana's annual event: Bomba By The Sea!
Honoring Sacred Connections... To the Ocean... To Our Ancestors... To Ourselves...
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What began as a shared love for the ocean and a desire to honor our ancestors evolved into Bomba By The Sea — an annual, community-rooted cultural event that celebrates the connection between humanity, water, and ancestry.
Every summer, Bomba By The Sea participants experience:
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Live presentations by professional Bomba dancers, singers, and percussionists
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Original songs centered on water, memory, and climate change
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A non-religious altar honoring our ancestors and the ocean
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Visual art activities reflecting on Bomba, identity, healing, and environmental justice
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BIPOC small business vendors for community support and engagement
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In 2024, with support from Save The Harbor / Save The Bay’s Better Beaches Grant Program and the City of Boston’s Neighborhood Activation Grant, BOMBAntillana members brought this vision to life. The pilot event, “Bomba By The Sea // Ola de la Mar,” was held at Constitution Beach (East Boston, MA) and invited participants of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to connect with the ocean and ancestral memory through Bomba music and dance.
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In 2025, the event “Bomba By The Sea: A Rumbombazo” was held at Playground Park by Wollaston Beach (Quincy, MA), and expanded to include live folkloric Cuban music and a collaborative dance honoring the ocean, our ancestors, and shared roots, in partnership with the MetaMovements Artist Collective, featuring musician, dancer, and master instructor Javier Jeffer.
​Stay tuned for the next edition of Bomba By The Sea in the summer of 2026, and join us in celebrating the rhythms of our ancestors and the ocean that connects us all.