Our History

Yuruparí Grupo Folclórico was founded in London in 1988 by two Colombian dancers, Xihomara Granados and Jorge Hurtado. At a time when few Latin Americans lived in the city, they came together with a shared mission: to preserve and celebrate the cultural traditions of Colombia through dance, music, and community. The group’s name, Yuruparí, comes from an Amazonian ritual that brings tribes together in celebration - reflecting our belief in the power of dance to unite people across generations and cultures. 

For over 30 years, Yuruparí has been a welcoming cultural space where Colombians, Latin Americans, and people from all backgrounds have come together to connect, express, and celebrate. Multiple generations of families have danced in the group - from mothers and daughters to uncles and nieces - creating a rich sense of community. Under the leadership of Xihomara, who has been honoured for her cultural contributions in the UK, Yuruparí has performed around the world and shared stages with legendary artists like Toto la Momposina. Today, a new generation carries the legacy forward, continuing to honour Yuruparí’s role as a cultural ambassador for Colombia in the UK.