Bullerengue, sanación, memoria y libertad

Overview

Bullerengue is an Afro-descendant rhythm that originated in the palenques of the Colombian Caribbean, specifically in the municipality of María la Baja, as a response to the silencing imposed by slavery. It is transmitted by oral tradition, performed mainly by older women and accompanied by traditional drums. Although its practice was marginalized and virtually undocumented for more than a century, in the last four decades it has evolved from an invisible cultural expression to a symbol of national identity and a cultural export product.