Mariachi (US: /ˌmɑːr i ˈɑːtʃi/, UK: /ˌmær-/, Spanish: [maˈɾiaʧi]) is a type of traditional Mexican music that began at least in the 18th century. It developed over time in rural areas of western Mexico. A typical mariachi group today includes up to eight violins, two trumpets, and at least one guitar.
The Puerto Rican cuatro (Spanish: cuatro puertorriqueño) is the national instrument of Puerto Rico. It is a type of string instrument related to the lute and works like a guitar, but has a shape similar to a violin. The word “cuatro” means “four,” which was the number of strings on the earliest instrument known as the cuatro.
The güira (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈɡwiɾa]) is a percussion instrument from the Dominican Republic. It is used in merengue, bachata, and sometimes in other music like cumbia. The instrument is made from a metal sheet, usually steel, and is played with a stiff brush.
The Petwo, also spelled Petro or dompete, are a group of lwa spirits in the religion of Haitian Vodou. They are described as being more intense and “hot,” which is the opposite of the Rada lwa, who are calm and “cool.”
Junkanoo, also known as Jonkonnu or John Canoe, is a festival that began during the time of slavery in the British American colonies. Today, it is most commonly celebrated in the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Belize. It was also practiced in North Carolina and Miami in the past, where many people from the West Indies lived after slavery ended.
Kumina is a part of the Myal religion and includes dance and music. It began with traditions brought to Jamaica by people from the Congo region of West Central Africa, including enslaved individuals and workers who were forced to labor, after slavery ended. Kumina is mainly connected to eastern Jamaica, especially the areas of St.
Nyabinghi, also spelled Nyahbinghi, Niyabinghi, or Niyahbinghi, is a gathering of Rastafari people to celebrate and remember important dates in their tradition throughout the year. It is a time for Rastafari to come together and participate in praise and worship. For example, on July 23 each year, a Nyabinghi is held to honor the birth of Emperor Haile Selassie I.
The steelpan, also called a pan or steel drum, is a musical instrument that came from Trinidad and Tobago. People who play the steelpan are called pannists. In 1992, the steelpan was named Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument by Prime Minister Patrick Manning.
Pagode (Portuguese pronunciation: [paˈɡɔdʒ(i)]) is a Brazilian style of music that began in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a type of samba. Originally, the word “pagode” described a celebration with food, music, dancing, and partying. In 1978, singer Beth Carvalho discovered this music, enjoyed it, and recorded songs by Zeca Pagodinho and others.
The term forró (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation: [fɔˈʁɔ]) describes a type of music, a rhythm, a dance, and the event where people listen to and dance to forró music. Forró is an important part of the culture in Brazil’s Northeastern Region. It includes many different dance styles and types of music.