Dance encyclopedia

Gombey

Bermudan performance art.

Gombey
Image: Smithsonian Institution from United States · No restrictions · Wikimedia Commons

About Gombey

The Gombey is an iconic symbol of Bermuda, a cultural expression full of colorful and intricate masquerade, dance, and drumming. This folk tradition reflects the island's blend of African, Caribbean and British cultures with Indigenous influences.

Dancers are usually men and perform in groups of 10 to 30 though in modern times women's groups have emerged. The traditions have been passed down orally from one generation to the next within families. The captains of each troupe determine the troupe's style and direction. Subtle but distinct differences emerged between troupes in beats, dances, costumes, headdresses, by which each troupe can each be recognized.

From the Wikipedia article “Gombey”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.