Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE GÜIRA
The
güira
is a popular musical instrument used to infuse a song with a rhythmical rasping sound. It
was originally adopted by Hispaniola's indigenous people - the Taínos - who employed dried,
hollowed-out-gourds and a forked stick to produce music for their
areítos
(ceremonial songs). Today
the
güira
has been modernized - but not by much. Instead of using vegetables, the modern
güira
is
made of latten brass; it typically looks like a cylindrical cheese grater that is scraped with a long metal
pick. The rasping sound is essentially the same - the modern-day instrument just lasts a little longer.
The next time you hear a merengue or a
bachata
song, listen for this centuries-old sound.
