Public Project
La Cumbia Del 30
In the early morning hours of December 30, the sound of fireworks echoes through town, marking the official start of La Cumbia. Throughout the day, the Guerra family prepares the plaza in front of their home. Following local tradition, the men bring a three-meter-tall banana palm, dig a hole, and plant it in the center of the space. The women then decorate it with care, turning it into the centerpiece of the night’s celebration. By 8 p.m., the musicians arrive, parading through the streets while playing their instruments to invite everyone to join the party.
The revelry continues until “El Mono”—as the locals affectionately call the sunrise—makes its appearance. To the sound of the milleros, people dance, laugh, and share drinks deep into the night. Between songs and stories, families are reunited—some returning to Guamal after moving away in search of a better life. They come home each year to take part in this beloved tradition, one that has not lost its magic and remains a powerful symbol of unity for the region.
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