Rhythms in Spanish

In two time, the pasodoble began as a typical march used in military parades in Spain at the end  of the 18th century. With the passage of time, it became popular in bullfighting. It is closely linked to the copla.

One of the most famous songs of this genre is 'Suspiros de España,' composed by Antonio Álvarez Alonso in 1902. Almost 40 years later, his nephew wrote lyrics which were performed by Estrellita Castro in the film of the same name, released in 1939.

This is a musical and dance genre that was born in Andalusia in the 18th century. Its origins are diverse as a result of the fusion of the different cultures that coexisted in Andalusia at the time, with particular emphasis on the contribution of the gypsy people. 

Each of the singing styles is referred to as a 'palo': the different modalities that exist and are grouped differently depending on their origin, meter and time signature, character or accompaniment. Flamenco guitar and palm percussion accompany the singer.

Guaracha is a type of popular music, usually with satirical or picaresque lyrics. Originating in Cuba, guaracha music was accompanied by a dance done in couples. There is evidence that it started spreading from the 19th century in Cuban Bufo theaters.

It was played in lower-class dance halls, until professional composers began introducing it to the upper class. It has a fast tempo and comical lyrics.

The perfect blend of cha-cha-cha, mambo, and son, this originated in Cuba, but the dance became popular on the streets of New York's "Spanish Harlem" in the 1950s. The term was coined by Johnny Pacheco and producer Jerry Masucci in the 1970s.

To the beat of percussion, string, and wind instruments, there are many styles of salsa, depending on the location: Cuban salsa, Cali salsa, Puerto Rican salsa, etc. Some of the most important artists of this genre are Celia Cruz, Frankie Ruiz, Marc Anthony, etc.

This was born in the 1990s in the slums of Panama and Puerto Rico. It is a mixture of Jamaican dembow and hip hop beats. The word "reggaeton," reggae + "-on," which has already been included in academic Spanish dictionaries, was created in the 1980s by music producer Michael Ellis.

It was consolidated as a genre within the Puerto Rican community in New York. Tego Calderón, Ivy Queen, and Daddy Yankee are some of the pioneers of this genre which began to become popular in the 2000s. It is now one of the most listened-to Latin genres in the world.