Carribean Vibes

Bocas del Toro is a landscape of diverse cultures: Latino, Chinese, Ngobe, Afro-Caribe, and so much of the culture is indelibly linked to this woven fabric of backgrounds. It is so special to be witness to the dance, food and language of these wide variety of cultures.

Just the other day, we hosted the Bastimentos Cultural Dance Group for a private party we were hosting. Bastimentos is one of the islands of the archipelago and the only town o the island, apart from indigenous villages is Old Bank, which is the residence of Bocas’ Afro-Caribe population.

Much of the population of Old Bank can trace their lineage just a couple of generations back to Jamaica and other Carribean islands. Jamaicans came down to work the banana planations and brought culture and language with them.

The Bastimentos Cultural Dance Group showcases dance, music and rhythms of Bastimentos. About forty musicians and dancers sashayed their way from the dock up to the pool and danced and played for about a half hour. It was an amazing experience and one we hope to replicate again.