The Gombeys of Bermuda

1. "If you see a group of people dancing down a Bermuda street to the sound of drums and whistles and if those dancers are wearing grotesque, colorful costumes, then you may well be witnessing that most elusive of Bermuda Events - The Gombeys"

2. The Bermuda Gombey is the island's premier folk art. The troupe of anywhere from 10-30 people are traditionally male and sometimes from the same family, even though today there are sometimes a female, who pass the techniques of the Gombey from one generation to the next.

   Created during the 17th century by slaves brought to Bermuda from West Africa, the Caribbean and North America, the Gombey dances borrows from many cultures. "Gombey" is derived from an African word meaning rhythm, and the dance itself is part West African, Caribbean and American Indian. The dances have names, and the musical accompaniment is usually a kettle drum, two snare drums, and a fife.

   The dance is performed primarily on Christmas and Easter Holidays. It was born originally to be performed only on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day, when slaves were granted a brief rest, and celebrated their taste of freedom with extensive festivities and dances. Today, Gombey dancers also perform on the Monday after Easter as well as on other unspecified days.

Sources:

1. "Your Bermuda" by George Rushe, p. 70

2. Bermuda Gombey Backgrounder
   Contact: Alex Martinengo
   Porter Novelli
   437 Madison Avenue
   New York, New York 10022
   212 872-8000