The culture of the Argentine Littoral region is a mix of unique sensations, and traditional Chamamé Dance is no exception to this. This typical music experience is a treat for the senses, sorrounded by a colorful and cheerful region with nature, a sight to behold.
In the Iberá Wetlands, Chamamé is a style of dance and music typical from our region. It also showcases som of Aargentina’s traditional clothing, which makes it a unique cultural expression.
Chamamé is one of Argentina’s most popular traditions. It is a nostalgic dance that conveys emotions and the passion of the Sapucay cry. Its song lyrics and themes represent the diverse culture of Corrientes Province, northeast region of Argentina.
Curious to learn about one of the most meaningful culture expresions in Argentina? Let’s explore what Chamamé is, it’s typical dance moves, unique clothing, and beautiful music style.
What is Chamamé in Argentina?
Chamamé in Argentina is a unique cultural expression that developed in the province of Corrientes, northeast region of the country. It refers to both, a music style and typical dance, with a significant role in the cultural evolution of the Argentine Littoral.
As a widely known tradition, Chamamé is considered part of the intangible cultural heritage of the province of Corrientes. In addition, it is well-known in other south american countries, like central Brazil, especially in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Mato Grosso do Sul, where national law established September 19 as the Day of Chamamé.
If you thought that Tango was the national dance of Argentina, you are in for a surprise. Our country’s folklore includes several dance styles, including Chamamé, Chacarera, Samba. Tango is especially popular in Buenos Aires.
Traditional Chamame music style
Chamamé is a musical style characterized by a polyrhythmic musical arrangement. In this music genre, the support structure of bass-base is binary, while the melody -that is, the singing and string instruments- overlap melodically and tonally with a ternary structure.
Where is Chamamé from?
The origins of Chamamé are not entarely clear, it is has guaraní roots, which means, from the north east reagion of Argentina, as well as Paraguay. In Argentina, Chamamé is found mainly in the province of Corrientes, but presents significant variants in the other Littoral provinces. Entre Ríos, Formosa, Santa Fe, Chaco and Misiones. It is also heard in the north and east of Santiago del Estero.
What does Chamame Mean?
Chamamé means “Dance in the rain” in Guaraní language. It’s rooted in the communal spirit of the dance and music. The word Chamamé has Guarani and Spanish origin, and is considered a variation of San Mamés, a martyr saint highly venerated in Spain.
Chamamé is really popular in Argentina. In fact, it was declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. As a vibrant part of our regional identity, this traditional dance showcases our distinctive sapukay cry, as well as traditional instruments like the guitar and accordion.
How to dance Chamamé
Chamamé dance does not involve a settled “choreography”, as it relies more on improvisation. It gives dancers the chance to create passages and figures, an opportunity to shine. Some Chamamé dance steps include the “trancado” or “trancadito,” which is done by advancing the left foot in rhythm, the body leaning on it with a slight break, while the right foot approaches the left.
Another traditional chamamé dance move is Sapucay: a cry or phonation present from the beginning, is a typical form accompanied by gestures and body movements that is used to convey feelings, emotions and sensations. This term comes from Guarani, “sapukai”, which means “to shout in a triumphant cry.”
As for the instruments typically played in Chamamé music, these originally include the violin and vihuela. Howewver, as Chamamé culture developed, other instruments were progresively incorporated, such as guitar, harmonica, accordion, bandoneon and double bass.
These are the most popular Chamamé dance and music styles in Argentina:
- Chamamé Orillero has influences of tango,. As you may know, Tango is a tradicional dance and music style from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Chamamé Maceta is one of the most popular traditional styles in Argentina. It showcases a vibrant and rhythmic style, often associated with festivals and celebratory events.
- Chamamé Ganci or sad Chamamé has a deep melancholic and instrospective tone. Also known as Chamamé Canción, it has a slow tempo and rythm.
- Chamamé Caté is an elegant traditional music style. It is frequently sung in Guarani, showcasing the linguistic diversity of the region.
Chamamé typical clothing in Argentina
Traditional Chamamé clothing and outfits vary depending on the region and specific event. In some areas, men wear bombacha pants of dark colors in a single piece, along with plain cotton shirts in semi-dark colors, i.e., browns and blues, while in other areas, the “gala and salon” variety prevails, the clothing typically being very wide bombacha pants with small plaits on the front and back, matched with usually plain and white shirts.
Traditional women’s outfits consist of a blouse, skirt, petticoat and espadrilles. Ladies may also wear a collar scarf the color of the party emblem.
a symbol of Littoral culture
Every year the renowned National Chamamé Festival takes place in the city of Corrientes, Argentina, in iconic places such as the Cocomarola Amphitheater and the Pexoa Bridge. For several days in January, visitors can enjoy this music and dance. The event also includes the presentation of the National Chamamé Couple: they are the ones that best represent this dance and culture.
Chamamé is a valuable and significant cultural manifestation for the inhabitants of the region, and its transmission from generation to generation has strengthened the collective ties of the communities. Its role in the cultural evolution of the Argentine Littoral region and its recognition as intangible cultural heritage bear testament to its cultural value.