Bomba

Nicoya is in the province of Guanacaste. Something that is unique to this area of Costa Rica is a type of poetry called a "Bomba". This is a short burst of poetry, normally about four lines. It is also put to music, such as a flute. It is very similar to Rap.

My Spanish teacher said that they are normally considered part of "La Conquista", such as a witty saying a man would use to impress a woman, or something a woman would say to respond to a witty saying. Essentially, they are considered part of courtship.

During the fiesta, Bombas were everywhere. Everybody knew a bomba, from old people to little kids, its expected that you know two or three. Here´s one my Spanish teacher taught me, with the English translation to follow.

Yo nunca me casaría
Con vieja por la moneda,
Después la plata se acaba
Y la mula vieja queda

I would never marry
With an old women for the money.
When the silver is gone,
The old mule remains.

Juanito

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