Sounds of Past and Future

The Gaita - Preserving Sucre's Culture

The Colombian coast has been characterised by its culture and tradition. Thanks to the mixing of cultures that occurred in the region after the European invasion, different types of music and dances came to existence, which are preserved to this day. During our visit in Sucre we had the honor of meeting Julio Benítez and Jairo Bolaño, who know everything about the history and importance of the gaita. The Gaita has lived different transformations with the passing of time. In its beginnings the Gaita was an instrument used by the farmers to relax and tell stories about their direct surroundings. Today, the Gaita has reached the academy, where it is taught to modern musicians who use it as a Trojan horse, to tell stories of life, resilience and revolution, raising awareness for society's problems. Now the gaita has the potential to be a political resource. However, Jairo Bolaño explains how its equally important to document traditional ways of the gaita in poor communities. Because a lack of resources to document could mean they will be lost forever: "we have to advance our art while at the same time preserving our cultural heritage"