The cantiñas have their roots in the popular Andalusian festivities of the 19th century, where gypsy traditions and African influences were mixed. These celebrations, known as “cantes de ida y vuelta”, gave rise to the first bars and lyrics of the cantiñas.
The cantiñas have their roots in the popular Andalusian festivals of the 19th century, where gypsy traditions and African influences were mixed. These celebrations, known as “cantes de ida y vuelta”, gave rise to the first bars and lyrics of the cantiñas.
This cante is native to Cádiz and the ports of the Bay of Cádiz, although there are also styles, such as that of the Pinini, which are based in towns such as Utrera and Lebrija.
They are generally short coplas and are supposedly related to the old jota from Cádiz. They are performed to the same meter as bulerías or soleá but, melodically, they are structured on major keys. The lyrics of the cantiñas are usually cheerful and festive, although they can also deal with romantic and everyday themes.
Within the broad spectrum of the cantiñas, there are several sub-genres and variants that bring even more richness and diversity. Some of the most outstanding include the alegrías, the romeras, the mirabrás, the caracoles and the polos. Each of these variants has its own melodic and lyrical peculiarities, but they all share that festive and vibrant spirit.
Cantiñas in artists of yesterday and today
Throughout the history of flamenco, there have been great maestros and maestras who have left an indelible legacy in the world of cantiñas. Figures such as Juan Talega, Manuel Torre, La Niña de los Peines, Camarón de la Isla and Antonio Mairena have performed them masterfully.
Artists such as Rosalía, Diego el Cigala and Tomatito have incorporated elements of cantiñas into their compositions, keeping this flamenco palo alive and bringing it to new audiences around the world.
El Cañejo de Barbate by cantiñas (Barbate’s Cañejo)
In this trailer you can see a summary of the content of this programme, incredible cantes de El Cañejo in his recital at the Noche Flamenca del Parque. She displays a captivating voice, full of softness and sweetness, accompanied by the perfect chords of Adriano Lozano’s guitar in a historic performance for the artist.