The Petenera flamenca has been always surrounded in mystery, and has been one of the richest styles of flamenco music. Some believe it came from the Caribbean in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Other say the name "Petenera" comes from the name of the people who live in Peten, Guatemala. Others see its origins in religious and Gregorian Christian chants. Yet others point to the songs of the Spain´s King Alfonso X "The Wise".
During the 18th century, a female singer from Paterna de Rivera, called "La Petenera", put her signature on the Flamenco Petenera, making it very popular in southern Spain. Today the people from this town are the guardians of this style of flamenco.
To visit the audio-slide show enter this link: www.chicosanchez.com/petenera
 |
| (Photo ©Chico Sanchez-All Rights Reserved) |
