Seattle-based Afro-Caribbean dance and music group. Grupo Bayano was named after a Maroon Community in what is now Panama that won autonomy from colonial Spain in 1570 due to the unity forged among African and Indigenous Peoples. Grupo Bayano continues in the spirit of unity of these and other Freedom Fighters as we work at addressing racism and other forms of oppression through community engagement with our cultural expressions. Grupo Bayano builds a vibrant, nurturing, and inspiring environment at our practices, performances, and community events for children, youth, adults, and elders.