The 12 count palo (flamenco rhythm) of Caracoles belongs in the family of Cantiñas, musically similar to Alegrías. It got its name because of the style of estribillo (short phrases sung at the end of a song, the chorus) that follows the letra (verse). It is said that the caracoleros (snail vendors) would sing this estribillo throughout the streets of Cadiz while selling their food. The estribillo became incorporated into this palo, thus getting its name.
The singer, Antonio Chacón, is said to have popularized Caracoles with mentions of the Calle de Alcalá in Madrid and famous bullfighters of his time in the 19th century. For me, what makes this palo so captivating is the sheer prowess of the singer that’s required. The letra as written is short, but the singer extends it over many compases with their vocalization.
Gema Caballero takes us on such an emotional journey with this EXQUISITE rendition. I’ve noted where in the recording each section starts with a few notes on each.
0:39 [1st Letra]
Como reluce
la gran calle de Alcalá [here’s that street in Madrid]
como reluce
cuando suben y bajan
los andaluces
Vamos nos vamos nos
al cafe de la union [famous cafe for bullfighters]
donde para el Curro Cuchares
el Tato y Juan Leon [famous bullfighters of the time]
2:00 [Juguetillo- an add-on to the letra that has nothing to do with the themes of the letra. I think of it as the coletilla]
Tu eres bonita
el conocimiento
la pasion no quita
te quiero yo
mas que a la mare
que me pario
3:00 [2nd Letra- speaks of the hardships of a woman selling roasted chestnuts]
Por que vendes castañas asadas
aguantando la nieve y el frio
con tus zapatos
y tus medias caladas
eres la reina para tu mario
regordonas que se acaban
hermosa como recien casada
y yo la vendo por un querer
3:38 [Estribillo- the typical ending chorus]
Caracoles caracoles
mosita que
ha dicho usted
que son tus ojos dos soles
y vamos viviendo y ole
There aren’t many variations of the letras of Caracoles as there are in Alegrías or Solea por Bulerías. It’s very typical to see dancers perform Caracoles with either bata de cola, mantón or abanico.
Here, Milagros Menjíbar, dances Caracoles with bata de cola, abanico AND castañuelas! The escobilla is similar to Alegrías, in that it starts on 1 (4:12). Notice the ending estribillo (7:00.)
Olga Llorente dances Caracoles here with bata de cola and mantón. The first letra the singer sings is the typical “Como reluce” (1:05). The singer sings the juguetillo (or coletilla) at 2:13. Olga is just so powerful in this dance with her mantón and expressiveness. ¡Olé!
I have to include Manuel Liñán here. I think this may have been the first time I saw him dance (on video) with a bata de cola and mantón. He is truly powerful, commanding and just delightful!
Finally, I add my own Caracoles choreography with mantón, using the gorgeous music of Gema Cabarello. This advanced choreography is featured inside the Online Flamenco Studio with easy to follow instruction.
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