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Habaneras and tavern songs

  • Cançó de taverna a dalt de l'escenaru

    Tinged with the nostalgia that indianos, people who had moved to the Americas, felt for Cuba after returning to Catalonia, habaneras are the result of the cultural mixture of the Caribbean and they have laid down deep roots on the Costa Brava, where they were added to the tradition of the tavern song. As well as offering food and drink for sailors, the taverns are a space for popular creativity.

    Throughout the 20th century, tavern music, and especially habaneras, have gained in profile thanks to performances such as that of Calella de Palafrugell, a pioneer in introducing them to a wider public. The tavern song is a vibrant phenomenon, comprising a network of singers, spaces and festivals that continue its legacy. It is a collective act that brings people together around music and which is often accompanied with the typical burnt rum.

    The Baix Empordà is home to musicians and musical groups that help publicise and safeguard this musical genre.  Examples of these groups include Port-bo, Peix Fregit, Cantaires del Montgrí, Arjau, L’Empordanet and Els Cremats.

    Currently, most coastal centres include performances of habaneras and seafaring songs in their calendars of summer activities.

    Some of these events are listed below:

    Habaneras Concert, Calella de Palafrugell (July)

    Habaneras and Tavern Songs Concert, Platja d’Aro (July)

    Habaneras and Boleros Concert, Sant Antoni de Calonge (July)

    Habaneras Concert, l’Estartit (July)

    Tavern Songs, Sant Feliu de Guíxols (July–August)

    Habaneras Concert, Pals (July)

    Catalan Habanaera Concert, Palamós (August)

    Habaneras Concert, Begur (August)

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