La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón celebrates 14 years in Humboldt Park

CHICAGO - There's a big sound coming from a small storefront on North Avenue in Humboldt Park.  

Walk through the door of La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón and you will see drummers and dancers in colorful costumes moving to the beat. The nonprofit organization, located at 3505 W. North Ave., is dedicated to teaching Afro-Puerto Rican music.

Members are celebrating its 14-year anniversary this week. 

Director and founder Ivelisse Diaz said she taught dancing on the street, at festivals and in community centers long before getting her very own space.

"We have been in our new location for six months and it has been a blessing," Diaz said. "We are very grateful and this week is all about celebrating our beautiful Afro-Puerto Rican culture."

Diaz called La Esquelita the "sauciest Bomba group in Chicago." 

"I started learning at the age of 5 from my beautiful family and about 14 years ago I decided to start teaching it and paying it forward because that's the only way this music is going to survive." Diaz said.

Anniversary events include a panel discussion at the school on Friday, followed by an anniversary concert at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture Saturday. 

On Oct. 29, workshops and community Bombazo will take place at the Humboldt Park school.