Cumbia

Cumbia: 17 upcoming festivals, including 4 with tickets on sale.

Cumbia is a vibrant and infectious genre characterized by its driving percussion, often featuring prominent drums and guacharaca, layered with melodic flutes, accordions, and brass, creating a joyful, danceable rhythm. Originating in 17th-century Colombia, it emerged from the fusion of African slave rhythms, Indigenous melodies played on instruments like ocarinas and gaïtas, and Spanish lyrical and dance influences. This rich cultural blend initially accompanied funeral wakes before spreading across Latin America, evolving with local sounds in countries like Peru and Argentina. Its widespread appeal has led to numerous subgenres, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Latin American popular music.

Parent genreLatin