|  ElCiudadano.cl |  Noticias

El Ciudadano

Original article: «Tumba y Retumba»: Obra teatral sobre el bombo chinchinero inicia gira gratuita por las regiones de O’Higgins y Valparaíso

A poetic, musical, and cultural tour exploring the history of chinchineros will visit various communities in the O’Higgins and Valparaíso regions throughout June 2026. «Tumba y Retumba: Memories of a Chinchinero Drum» is a theatrical work that celebrates and values one of the most iconic trades in Chile’s popular culture.

The project includes a tour of 9 free performances aimed at both students and the general public, bringing performing arts and intangible cultural heritage closer to audiences through original drama constructed from poetic narratives, live music, dance, and testimonials inspired by the chinchinero tradition. A variety of characters and scenic elements make this experience a must-see during the winter holidays.

«Tumba y Retumba» incorporates live music performed with a street organ and chinchinero drum, along with traditional repertoires such as waltzes, polkas, foxtrots, cuecas, and cumbias, creating an artistic experience from a contemporary perspective of a recognized heritage practice that faces significant challenges for its continuity and transmission to new generations.

Directed by Camila Rojas, the play was created in 2024 thanks to funding from the Performing Arts Fund, Creation and/or Production of Scenic Productions line of the Ministry of Cultures, Arts, and Heritage. Currently, its regional tour is once again supported by this institution through the funding of the National Fund for the Promotion and Development of the Performing Arts, Call 2026.

«This production was largely created thanks to the life testimony of Israel Beltrán, a practitioner of this tradition,» says Paulina Cepeda, co-founder of Memoria Chinchinera alongside Israel Beltrán, and the originator of the idea to stage the work.

«The scene with the child reflects how it all began. He also contributed sound effects from the cueca and melodies. His participation was crucial. We have worked extensively with him under the framework of the Memoria Chinchinera project, through which we undertake various actions focused on the rescue and safeguarding of the chinchinero trade,» added Paulina Cepeda.

Free Performances

All activities in the «Tumba y Retumba: Memories of a Chinchinero Drum» tour are free and open to the community, subject to capacity availability. The performance schedule is as follows:

O’HIGGINS REGION

PEUMO
Wednesday, June 17 | 11:00 AM. Municipal Theater of Peumo, located at Balmaceda S/N. Closed performance for students from local educational institutions.

PICHILEMU
Thursday, June 18 | 10:30 AM. Cáhuil School. Closed performance for students of Cáhuil School.

LA ESTRELLA
Friday, June 19 | 5:00 PM. Multi-Purpose Hall, located at Av. Cardenal Caro S/N. Free entry for all audiences.

NAVIDAD
Saturday, June 20 | 12:00 PM. La Boca de Rapel School, located at Av. Los Pescadores S/N. Free entry for all audiences.

LITUECHE
Saturday, June 20 | 5:00 PM. El Rosario High School, located at Hermanos Carrera #751. Free entry for all audiences.

VALPARAISO REGION

ALGARROBO
Friday, June 26 | 6:00 PM. Senior Center (CAM), located at Brasilia 1160. Free entry for all audiences.

SANTO DOMINGO
Saturday, June 27 | 12:00 PM. Farmer’s Market, located at Avenida Santa Teresa with Las Dalias. Free entry for all audiences.

SAN ANTONIO
Saturday, June 27 | 6:00 PM. San Antonio Cultural Center, located at Calle Antofagasta #545, Barrancas. Free entry for all audiences.

EL QUISCO
Sunday, June 28 | 12:00 PM. Camilo Mori Cultural Center, located at Av. Isidoro Dubournais 2021. Free entry for all audiences.

El Ciudadano

La entrada «Tumba y Retumba»: A Theatrical Journey Celebrating Chinchinero Tradition Launches Free Regional Tour in O’Higgins and Valparaíso se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.