Image Source: Flushing Town Hall Bomba is a percussion-driven musical style formed in 17th century Puerto Rico. African slaves used “bomba” lyrics to express political and spiritual emotions while ...

Photos by Deborah Guelfi Jul 21, 2025 Jul 21, 2025 LAWRENCE — The heat and humidity weren’t enough to discourage a large crowd from turning out Sunday afternoon for the third annual Bomba y Plena ...

Plena continues to serve as the island’s “sung newspaper.” The news and editorial staff of The New York Times had no role in this post’s creation. Discover Puerto Rico Paid Post Share Plena continues ...

Juan Cartagena and Nanette Hernández blend social justice with Puerto Rican Bomba y Plena. Percussionist Juan Cartagena and dancer Nanette Hernández combine their passion for social justice with the ...

Plena is an Afro-Latino tradition that developed out of bomba music around the beginning of the 20th century in southern Puerto Rico. Plena lyrics are narrative. They convey stories about events, ...

Smithsonian Institution. Festival of American Folklife. Caribbean Program 1989 Washington, D.C. 1 Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena / Francisco Banze, Antonio Juan Bones, Marcial Reyes. 2 Cuban Son / ...