Spanish Traditions

Spanish Traditions and Folk Song
Musical traditions have been taking place for centuries in all countries, ethnicities and cultures. Each group has specific musical stylings, sounds and instruments. Here we will take an in depth look at the musical traditions of the Spanish traced back to the mid-1500s.
St. Augustine, FL was founded by the Spanish in 1565. This was the beginning of traditional sounds, folk songs, hymns, and dance. It was discovered that these musical sub groups, reflected Spanish origins including those from areas of Spain and Mexico. Over time these sounds, and dances were adapted into European and American cultures as cultures collide through travel and war.
A specific tradition, to examine more closely, is that of Spanish dance. This is often referred to as a
Although all three types are widely popular amongst the Spanish, their origins and roots are all extremely different. Here we examine the three types of traditional Spanish folk song sounds.
First, Alabados is a type of hymn that originated in churches during mass. It still exists today in small southwest American villages. These songs describe the loneliness in living in isolation, but also mention the beautiful landscapes where these villages reside. The sound is similar of a chant, sun with no measure, and the words defining the rhythms. Alabados are most commonly used to teach stories from the Bible.
Next, Corridos is a type of ballad beginning in parts of the American southwest, but also has origins from Mexican communities. These types of ballads are traditionally used to tell stories of heroes and villains, but have also been used to spread news stories to the town’s people. Their sound is a simplistic melody and usually deliver a moral message to those listening. Corridos have been adapted to modified in today’s genres and have become far more