Los Criollos (The Peruvian Creoles)

Los Criollos (The Peruvian Creoles)

Oil on canvas - 4ft x 5ft.

Peruvian “Música Criolla” (Creole Music), is comprised of two essential instruments, the Cajón (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cajón) and a guitar.  They work together much like a human body; the thumping base of the cajón, a beating heart, the guitar strings, veins.Together, they create a “Jarana” (a revelry).“Musica Criolla” is much more than Perúvian music. It’s a symbol of culture, tradition and history. Peruvian Creole Music is a means of popular expression, and has produced many great musicians and songwriters. The musical and literary beauty is so inspirational, other great artists in different musical genres interpret many of its songs. 

Musica Criolla can be described as poetry, dancing to the rhythm of a guitar and a cajón.  A “Criollo” (Creole) carries music in his or her soul. To be a “Criollo” you have to be a lover of life and the streets. A Criollo falls in love with his street corner, and will sing there until the break of dawn. It goes far beyond knowing how to sing or play an instrument. You must be able to express your deepest feelings.

A “Jarana”, is a revelry or celebration. Most times, it’s spontaneous and improvised. It takes place in a house or in the street of any neighborhood, where friends, relatives and neighbors come join the celebration. When a Jarana takes place in someone’s home, the door is left open. No invitations or RSVP’s needed ...if you went, great, and if you didn’t go, you missed it. A Jarana sometimes occurs during a simple reunion where someone just brought a guitar and someone else showed up with a Cajón. And of course at a Jarana, there will be some criollo dish or dishes (Peruvian food). Also “Chelas” (slang for beer) is a great companion for the Criollos that sing, play instruments and of course, the Criollos that dance. I remember “Cristal”, the most popular beer brand back in the days, they come in enormous bottles, and many times you drink only from one glass that you share with your friends.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Música_criolla