Tangos de Graná: discover them

Did you know that Granada is the capital of flamenco tangos? The adaptations that were made of the Moorish tangos were the seed of the Tangos from GranadaThe group has a wide range of tangos unparalleled in the world of flamenco. From the Tangos del Camino to the Merengazos, passing through the Tangos Canasteros or the Tango Parao. All of them were born under the protection of the gypsy environment and the primitive zambras of Sacromonte and its surroundings.

What are the Tangos de Graná?

The Tangos of Granada are tangos with a relaxed rhythm. Similar to the Arab zambras, which are performed with falsetes, evoking the Andalusian music, which was played with bandurrias, being probably the only variant of flamenco in which this type of instrument is used.

The personality of the Granada tango emerges from the first verse of the cante and throughout the following quatrain, whose melody is impressed by the incisive high notes of the vocal cords. While the second quatrain presents a more varied melodic composition with sweeter tones, where the singer “recreates his voice” throughout the development of the copla.

History of the Tangos of Granada

The flamenco tangos are considered one of the most basic palos of this artistic genre. A cheerful and lively style that, together with the bulería, is part of the festive palos of this art. But do you know their origin and how they have reached our days?

Origin

Regarding the origin of flamenco tangos, some theories affirm that they were born between Cadiz and Seville, having previously spread from South America. Although some say they come from Cuba. But whatever the case, the truth is that they did not arrive in Spain until the middle of the 19th century. And, obviously, in Andalusia they did not have the same musical structure as today’s flamenco tangos.

Little by little, the tango gradually shed its American touches and took on an increasingly flamenco identity, consolidating itself as a dance in Jerez, Cádiz, Triana, Jaén, Málaga and Granada. But, perhaps, the Tangos of Granada are the ones with the most Arabic sound, which has to do with the fact that Granada was the last Nasrid kingdom, where there was an impressive mixture of cultures, such as the gypsies, the Muslims and the Christians who stayed behind.

Thus, the tangos of Granada were marked by the characteristic gypsy atmosphere of the Sacromonte caves. Based on the rhythm of the “tangos flamencos”, in Granada they acquire their singular physiognomy.

Development

The Tango of the Flower seems to be the oldest, since it is part of the zambra. The zambra is a choreography based on the Gipsy Wedding. At the beginning of the ceremony all the wedding songs are performed and then the bride is presented dancing a tango with a flower in her mouth. Hence its name. Although it is also known by other names such as Tangos de Candil, Tangos de la Azucena, Tangos de los Merengazos or Tango de Falseta.

Another style is the Tangos del Camino, which were usually danced by a woman alone, although it could be the case that she danced it with a man. But the Tango del Petaco also stands out, which was characterized by its comic lyrics. It was usually danced by an older woman, as the movement of a young woman was too provocative for the time.

In addition, among the gypsies who came fleeing the Spanish Civil War and settled in the caves of Sacromonte, the “Tangos del Cerro” emerged. Tangos del Cerro. A type of singing that was characterized by having a livelier rhythm.

In short, tangos have become a classic in any repertoire. a classic of any repertoire due to its cheerful and catchy character. Of course, the flamenco guitar has found in this type of dance an ideal style to express itself, both rhythmically, harmonically and melodically. And the dance, due to its rhythm and beat, allows the artist to shine with brilliant movements full of passion. A style that can not miss in any flamenco party.