Video: Gombeys Out To Celebrate Boxing Day
As has been the tradition for many years, the Gombeys are out making their rounds on Boxing Day today [Dec 26], helping the island celebrate the holiday season.
The island’s preeminent folk art, Gombeys traditionally span the island on Boxing Day and other holidays with the groups growing larger through the day as Bermudians start following along and dancing to the rhythmic beat of the drums.
A brochure from the ADHT describe the Gombeys by saying, “These masked dancers [the masks may well have been used to conceal the identities of the dancers from slave owners] zestfully portray biblical and other stories as they make their way through the streets.
Video showing the Gombeys in the Border Lane/Glebe Road area today:
As is traditional, the Gombeys make their way across #Bermuda on Boxing Day pic.twitter.com/u60ZcX5oJz
— Bernews (@bernewsdotcom) December 26, 2015
“The dancers are followed by a band of drummers. Deep-throated kettledrums set the time, while snare drummers weave a complicated rhythm for the dancers to follow.
“Bringing up the rear of the Gombey crowd are men, women and children captivated by the distinctive rhythms as they dance to the language of the drum.
“The Gombeys are a vivid cultural symbol, the artistry of their dance brought on slave ships from native soil, kept alive during slavery and now blossoming in freedom.”
Good to see the Tradition lives on, and to think it was almost banned by the Colonial powers.
While I hate to do it, on this I have to acknowledge the truth behind OJ’s words. Prior to the abolition of slavery in Bermuda Gombey’s were banned, and I’m quite certain for some time afterwards not considered a positive thing.
Thankfully, the vast majority of Bermudians now embrace this wonderful expression of our history, celebration and folk art.
No need to hate to do it, the TRUTH shall set you FREE.
Always negative.
Thanks Gombeys, always a joy to see no mater what time of year.
Well that is the TRUTH and is recorded as part of our History, then again there are other NEGATIVE things that’s recorded as part of our History, just because some people are embarrassed about it don’t mean we cant mention it.
We can’t bring up what the PLP did three years ago though. That’s “irrelevant”.
Can you remind us?
The spirit never dies,,,,,,,,,,the Spirit of The Gombeys will,,,live on forever.