"Cumana" is a mambo tune written by jazz pianist Barclay Allen,^[1][2] together with Harold Spina and Roc Hillman and released by Barclay Allen's Rhythm Four on Capitol 15107 in 1947.^[3] Allen also recorded the tune with Freddy Martin And His Orchestra later in the year for RCA.^[4]

The song is sometimes referred to Cumaña, Cumaná or La Cumana and described as a boogie.^[1]

Its signature riff is a fast moody change between two chords (chiefly F minor 6, or its tritone substitution, and C minor seventh) with some syncopation added.^[5] This tune, in its original context, is in the key of E Flat major with some parts sounding like they come from the relative key of C minor. The suggested tempo is 180 beats per minute, and this song in its original context takes about three and a half minutes to play, taking all repeats.^{[citation needed]}

The song is described as a "big band hit".^[6][7] The RCA version was described as "spin[ning] in the lively samba rhythm, Martin showcas[ing] the nimble keyboarding of Barclay Allen in fine style".^[8]

The song, described as a classic from the Hispanic repertoire, was frequently played by Liberace.^[9] Milton Nascimento also played the song on tour.^[10]

"La Cumana" has been featured on several episodes of The Lawrence Welk Show.^{[citation needed]}