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Out of Africa
 At Christmas, Easter and during various other events in Bermuda, revellers in colourful, often grotesque, costumes take to the streets and move to the wild, tropical rhythms of drums and whistles. These are Bermuda's famous Gombey dancers, who practise a centuries-old art form that has become something of a national icon.
Gombey dancing was created by slaves brought to Bermuda from West Africa in the 17th century. Many African cultures have contributed to the dance. Gombey derives from an African word that means "rhythm." Descriptive dances are performed to music made by a kettle drum, two snare drums and a fife. Whistles and bells often round out the sound.
Bermuda's Gombey troupes are composed of 10 to 30 dancers and musicians. Most of them are men — many from the same family — although sometimes a woman is part of the group. Gombey songs and dances traditionally have been passed down from one generation to the next.
Slaves created Gombey dancing to celebrate Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day, when masters granted them a break from work. This small taste of freedom inspired the slaves to infuse a sort of wild joy in their dances.
Today, Bermuda Gombey troupes still perform at Christmas. You also may see them at local street festivals including Harbour Nights and Market Nights/Destination Dockyard. If you're fortunate enough to catch a Gombey performance in Bermuda, it's sure to be an experience you'll never forget.
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