A vibrant showcase of Afro-Caribbean drumming and traditional folk dance, supported by The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, brought the sounds of Colombia’s Caribbean coast to Barbados on Thursday as a youth cultural delegation from Tolúviejo, Colombia, took part in an interactive cultural exchange at Parkinson Memorial Secondary School.
The event, led by the Ambassador of Colombia to Barbados, Her Excellency Elizabeth Inés Taylor Jay, brought together local and international partners to celebrate shared cultural roots across the region. Organized through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, the initiative highlighted the power of youth engagement and artistic expression in building diplomatic and community ties.
The visiting performers originate from the municipality of Tolúviejo, located in the Montes de María region, which is an area historically impacted by Colombia’s internal conflict. For many of the young musicians and dancers, this visit marks their first time traveling outside their home country.
Speaking during the cultural session, Ambassador Taylor Jay emphasized the personal and historic significance of the visit for the delegation:
“This drumming session takes us so close to our roots,” she said.
“Our shared roots in the Caribbean where we exchange heritage and culture. For these young people traveling from far away, this experience will truly be a lifetime memory.”
The afternoon feature began with a lively drumming showcase, followed by an interactive Afro-Caribbean folk dance session. Barbadian attendees and students experienced the traditional rhythms of Montes de María firsthand, connecting over shared Afro-diasporic musical traditions.
Highlighting the importance of international community connections, Sophia Greaves-Broome, CEO of Pinelands Creative Workshop, praised the collaboration for bringing transformative experiences to young people. She emphasized that welcoming the visiting youth from Colombia provides an invaluable opportunity for authentic cultural exchange and personal empowerment.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity of welcoming our young persons from Colombia to share an authentic cultural experience…This endeavor really speaks to having that wider cultural embrace,” she stated.
The visit to Parkinson Memorial Secondary School formed part of a week-long series of cultural engagements across the island. The program was developed through collaborative efforts involving key institutions, including:
- The Division of Youth and Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office
- The National Cultural Foundation (NCF)
- Pinelands Creative Workshop
- Parkinson Memorial Secondary School
By creating opportunities for direct youth interaction, the initiative highlights how cultural diplomacy continues to foster deeper understanding, friendship, and collaboration between Colombia and Barbados.
This youth exchange program is part of Colombia’s ongoing cultural diplomacy efforts aimed at promoting peace, social inclusion, and cross-border friendship through art, music, and heritage sharing across the Caribbean region.
