Argentina, Chamame is a cultural expression of the Guacho culture

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*Chamame is a cultural expression of the Guacho culture *Chamame does not follow a specific choreography *Chamame has been inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020

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00:00We continue in Argentina, but now we move to the province of Corrientes, where the practice of the chamamé was born,

00:06a musical genre that is accompanied by a picturesque and traditional dance. Let's see.

00:12The chamamé is a cultural expression of the Guacho culture, a peasant people which extends through parts of

00:20Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile.

00:25This characteristic dance was born in the region in the 16th century, and although there are several sources regarding its origin,

00:34the most accepted assures that it comes from the Guarini idiosyncrasy, one of the great pillars of the Guacho culture.

00:42Although this expression is extended by all the mentioned countries, it is in Argentina where it takes a more predominant role in the local culture,

00:51specifically in the province of Corrientes.

00:55The joyful and lively dance of chamamé is performed in couples, which are tightly embraced, and when the music indicates it,

01:03stomps, largadas, and floreos are allowed. This dance is not governed by any particular choreography, which allows the dancers to show their skill

01:12through improvisation, and celebrate their achievements with the zabucay, which is the traditional dance of the Guacho culture.

01:20Traditionally, this music was played with vihuelas and violins, and over time has added instruments such as guitars, harmonicas, bandoneons, double basses, and accordions,

01:30which became an important part of the sound that today identifies the genre.

01:35The lyrics of chamamé songs in the province of Corrientes are currently sung in a mixture of Spanish and Guaraní.

01:41Both the musical interpretation and the dance are very popular, and the Guacho culture is a very important part of the Spanish culture.

01:49The lyrics of chamamé songs in the province of Corrientes are currently sung in a mixture of Spanish and Guaraní.

02:02Both the musical interpretation and the dance are a source of pride for those who perform them,

02:08and regularly organize competitions and presentations of this cultural expression,

02:13which also forms an important part of community, family, and religious celebrations in the region.

02:19Due to its social and artistic relevance, chamamé has been inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.

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