Special Episode Aired 9-28-25: Celebrating Latino Heritage Month with Bomba de Aquí In this special Latino Heritage Month episode, we visit Bomba de Aquí, a vibrant dance and music company dedicated to preserving and sharing Afro-Puerto Rican traditions across western Massachusetts and central Connecticut. We sit down with founders Brendalíz Cepeda—granddaughter of legendary bomba patriarch Rafael Cepeda—and Saul Peñalosa, the group’s musical director, to hear about their family’s deep connection to bomba and the vision behind the Bomba de Aquí Center. Together, they share how their work brings bomba into schools, churches, colleges, and community spaces, educating audiences about its history while fostering pride, connection, and joy. From honoring Rafael Cepeda’s legacy to inspiring new generations of students—Latino and non-Latino alike—Bomba de Aquí is building a cultural bridge through rhythm, dance, and story. Join us as we celebrate this powerful heritage and learn how Bomba de Aquí keeps Afro-Puerto Rican traditions alive and thriving for future generations. #puertoricans #puertorico #bomba #boricua #history #cepeda
