El emotivo origen del Certamen de Habaneras y la poesía oculta en sus letras

In this special edition of the radio program "Unveiling Songs," Pilar Tabares and Inma Sala explore the rich lyrical tradition of Torrevieja. The program begins with an analysis of the song "Hay que vivir" (We Must Live) by the late Valencian singer-songwriter Joan Bautista Humet. Through a slow reading of its verses, they reflect on the accelerated pace of society, the need to slow down, and the importance of rediscovering simplicity. The hosts unpack the philosophy behind this 1980 piece, highlighting its enduring relevance in inviting listeners to connect with and enjoy the present. Turning their attention to the habanera, they pose a question: How did the Torrevieja International Habanera and Polyphony Competition come about, and what is its historical origin in this city? The program delves into the history of this cultural event, whose first competition was held on August 7, 1955, as the National Competition on the Paseo Vista Alegre. The program recalls how audiences would bring their own wooden chairs to dine while listening to local choirs. The conversation details the trade of salt for sugarcane and textiles with Cuba, a commercial link from which the habanera genre was born. The symbolism of local monuments is analyzed, from the figure bidding farewell to sailors at the Dique de Levante with his handkerchief to the sculpture awaiting their return on the Paseo de Juan Aparicio. The program also highlights the festival's declaration as an Event of International Tourist Interest in the 1990s and the creation of the National Children's and Youth Habanera Competition to ensure a future generation of musical talent. What messages do the lyrics of traditional habaneras hold when recited without accompaniment? Throughout the program, several representative pieces are selected that go beyond the classic themes of love and longing. The program "unveils" the so-called "ecological habanera" ("They Say the Sea Is Dying"), a composition with a strong environmental message that warns of the deterioration of the seas. A tribute is also paid to the great maestro Ricardo Lafuente Aguado through an analysis of "La dulce habanera," reviewing the historic orchestrated version performed by the renowned artist Lolita Sevilla, an Adopted Daughter of Torrevieja. What are the most dramatic and profound compositions in the Torrevieja choral repertoire? In the final segment, listener contributions take center stage through the recitation of historical pieces such as "La esclava" (The Slave), a work focused on denouncing the lack of freedom and notable for the depth of its bass lines. Similarly, the moving work "Enterradme en la playa" (Bury Me on the Beach) by Jesús Romo Raventós is analyzed, unpacking the melancholy evoked by its seafaring verses. The program concludes by inviting the audience to participate by sending in their audio recordings and previewing next week's musical selection with artist Marcela Morelo. You can send your song, verse, or recitation proposal to be analyzed on the program via the official WhatsApp number: +34 696 910 633. 📻 Station Information for listening live: • Radio Dial: Onda Azul Torrevieja 96.9 FM • Official Website: ondaazulradio.es CALL TO ACTION: If you're passionate about culture, musical traditions, and discovering the stories behind the most beautiful lyrics, subscribe now to the Onda Azul Torrevieja YouTube channel! Activate the notification bell so you don't miss any programs and support us with your "Like." Do you have a habanera or a special song that gives you goosebumps? Leave us your message in the comments of this video or contact us through our social media. Your recitation could be the next one performed live and win an exclusive gift!