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Lesson

Santiago Apóstol de Loíza: Bomba and Community

Fiesta Aquí, Fiesta Allá: Music of Puerto Rico (9th–12th) / Santiago Apóstol de Loíza: Bomba and Community

  • The Fiesta Santiago Apóstol de Loíza (St. James the Apóstol Festival) is celebrated annually in Loíza, Puerto Rico. The tale of Santiago Apóstol (“Matamoros”/“Moorslayer” as he is nicknamed) represents the saint as a miraculous figure who helped Spanish Christians to conquer Muslim Moors in 9th century Spain. The people of Loíza honor and celebrate their patron saint with a fiesta at the intersection of religion, race, and community. Through this form of cultural expression, the people in the community re-connect to their traditions each year by way of prayer, costumes, food, and music.

  • This lesson explores the history and development of bomba music in Puerto Rico within the context of the Santiago Apóstol Fiesta in Loíza. Students will listen to a variety of audio examples, watch video footage, and will even have an opportunity to actively participate in a classroom bomba jam!

    • Lesson Paths & Learning Objectives

    1. What Is the Fiesta Santiago Apóstol de Loíza?

      • Explain the history and influences of bomba music.
      • Explain the origins of the Fiesta Santiago Apóstol de Loíza and describe its social, historical, and cultural significance.
      • 20+ minutes

    2. What is Bomba Music?

      • Identify musical instruments commonly associated with bomba.
      • Identify (and in some cases demonstrate) the important stylistic features of bomba, including rhythmic patterns, improvisation, structure, singing and dance.
      • 30+ minutes

    3. Fiesta and Bomba: Identity on Display

      • Describe the cultural significance of fiesta (and bomba) at local, national, and international levels.
      • Identify important cultural symbols on display at the Fiesta Santiago Apóstol de Loíza.
      • Identify cultural and musical similarities and differences between bomba and danza.
      • 20+ minutes

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