Cartagena is a beautiful walled city on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. From its colonial architecture, stone sea and land walls, bougainvillea draped walls, charming balconies and so much more, the architectural details and ornamentation of the historic center of Cartagena are favorite backdrops for local and visiting artists. Not only are the walls colorful, so are the people.
Music is one of the most vibrant cultural expressions. And, in Colombia, it is a defining cultural attribute. From the marimba rhythms of the Pacific Coast, the Gaiteros de San Jacinto, the Vallenato and the upbeat rhythms of the Caribbean (champeta and mapale), it is hard to sit still in this country!…
From the Colonial Era to present, we learn how the people and communities of African descent helped shaped Mexico’s past and continue to express traditions in art, dance, music and food that reflect their heritage. Few people know about them, as their history has been little studied and told. This, however is changing as UNESCO, community activists and academics…
Salsa dancing is to Cali, Colombia as Tango dancing is to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is a way of life, a lifestyle, a social mingling place and given the competitions in recent years, such as the International Salsa Competition, a path to stardom. Also, the salsa dancing in Cali is unique; it is very fast and athletic. People travel from all over the world to see and learn from the best: the salsa dancers in Cali, Colombia.
Join us on an extraordinary journey to Colombia to learn about the musical heritage & traditions of African Descendants of this South American country. Attending the Petronio Alvarez Music Festival, we’ll learn of the multiple rhythms and influences of Pacific Colombia. From Cali, the epicenter of the marimba sounds, salsa music and dancing, we’ll move to Medellin, this fascinating city in Antioquia to learn about social renewal in this city. We’ll continue dancing and listening to the regional sounds!
This extraordinary journey provides an excellent overview of where South America begins! With its vast mountain chains and its fertile green valleys, you will see how this combination of latitude and altitude make it one of the world’s coffee growing centers. We will explore the fascinating world of Cali, where salsa dancing reins supreme. We also will visit the pearl of the Caribbean, the walled city of Cartagena…
