New York City Online, May 1-31, 2026

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LUIS ROMERO

Caribbean Mythologies

Text by Luis Romero

“I was born in Barranquilla, a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast where diverse cultural traditions have historically converged via the Magdalena River—particularly in the forms of music and dance—and where waves of global migration have arrived by sea. This confluence of influences gave rise to the Barranquilla Carnival, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

From an early age, I was captivated by the chromatic intensity of the Carnival. Even today, many of its dances and costumes remain enigmatic to me, yet profoundly compelling. My professional experience as a journalist and television presenter on both local and national channels provided a platform to investigate the historical foundations of these traditions. This research, which has been recognized with several national journalism awards, has become a central source of inspiration in my artistic practice.

I contend that the cultural expressions of the Caribbean are deeply rooted in collective resilience—particularly in the aftermath of historical conflicts. This resilience has manifested in rich traditions of music and dance and continues to inform contemporary efforts to reframe Colombia’s image on the global stage. Few nations possess such cultural and ecological diversity; when brought into view, this plurality evokes admiration and fosters a renewed, positive perception of the country.” - Luis Romero