D.C. is eerily quiet these days, and one of the sounds we miss the most is the vibrant drumming of Batala, heard at almost all D.C. festivals, marches, and parades.
Batala’s mission is “to empower women through drumming and expose people to Brazil’s dynamic Afro Bahian culture and Samba Reggae music.” It’s a non-profit organization that is free for members. Batala started in Paris in 1997, and the D.C. branch started in 2007. There are now 30 Batala groups around the world.
Their unique sound has echoed through the D.C. streets as they lead off at many events. Here are just a few times we have seen them:
Mardi Gras at The Wharf
Krampus on H St. NE
Funk Parade
The original Funk Parade in 2014
Barack’s Row Fall Festival
Art All Night
Chinese New Year
Women’s March
Rally against gender violence
Words Beats & Life Paint Jam
AIDS March
As you can see, they are absolutely everywhere!
If you are missing their sound
Here’s a great summary video that Batala put together: