Cumbia is Latin American music with many different styles, though the genre is distinguished by being percussion-heavy, with a signature double beat. Cumbia is a style of Latin music that originated in Colombia and became popular throughout South America, Central America, and the United States.

Traditional cumbia music uses a blend of African, Amerindian, and European styles and uses musical instruments such as drums, flutes, maracas, and accordions.

Cumbia, as a music genre, has many different styles based on where it’s played, and countries across Latin America — like Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, Cuba, and Mexico — all have their own unique styles and additions to the music. Cumbia music is most discernible for being percussion-heavy, with a signature double beat played on a maraca or drum, and flutes that carry the melody.

Felix y Los Gatos Cumbia night at The Mystic Santa Fe returns Saturday, November 7th 8-10pm!!