FROM OUR AFICIÓN SERIES

Did you know?

Throughout history,  flamenco artists often had other professions or trades.  In fact,  many styles of flamenco song are named after the trade of the singers who invented or popularized them!  For example, Tangos Canasteros were created by basketweavers,  and Tangos Chumberos were sung by the people who harvested chumbos  (prickly pears).

Gitanos canasteros are icons of the Flamenco world.  Sevilla Misterios y Leyenda describes their role in Flamenco here.

A style of Flamenco music from Granada,  Tangos Chumberos are also known as Tangos de la Penca.  Here is a letra. (song verse)  that highlights the Arabic influence on Flamenco.

“Ale,  esos chumbos y otras pencas del camino del monte
Ay,  puerto moruno de Tánger
Puerto que te vi marchar
Y en un barquito de espuma
Ay,  con la esmeralda del mar
Ay,  yayayay,  ay,  ay,  que ya no te veo más”