What is a regional dance?

A regional dance can be defined as a dance that is typical of a region or a specific province.
These dances are usually accompanied by costumes and instruments from the area.

In Spain there are several regional

dances:
• Muñeira
• Sevillanas
• Chotis
• Sardana
• Aurresku
• Jota
 Muñeira
The muñeira is the typical regional dance of Galicia, although it is also danced
in parts of Asturias.
In Galician, the word 'muñeira' means 'miller'.

The typical instruments of the muñeira are the

drum, the bagpipe and the tambourine.

Something very characteristic of this dance is the 'aturuxo’, a shout that some
of the participants in the dance, especially the women, shout to encourage the
dancers. It is very similar to the tribal cries of some African dances.
 Sevillanas
The sevillana is a typical dance and song from Andalusia, especially from Seville and
Huelva, and is believed to have existed since the 15th century.

When dancing Sevillanas, the dancers usually wear brightly

coloured, polka-dotted and frilly costumes.

The typical instruments that accompany sevillanas are the cajón

(box-drum), the Spanish guitar and the castanets.
Sevillanas should not be confused with flamenco. They are not the
same, even if they are from the same region.
 Sardana
The sardana is the typical regional dance in Catalonia.
It is a very particular dance that is danced in a circle.
The dancers hold hands in pairs. Normally, the arrangement of the circle is alternating, that is,
man, woman, man, woman and so on.

The instruments used to play the sardana are the

tenora, the tible and the flabiol, all of them string
instruments.
The tambourine is also used.
These instruments are usually played by a band or
cobla.

“Si balla la sardana fuori la cattedrale – panoramio” by Itto Ogami, license CC BY 3.0
 Chotis
The chotis is the typical dance of the Community of Madrid. It is a very old dance that is usually
danced, above all, on three very important dates:
• The festivities of San Cayetano
• The festivities of La Paloma
• San Isidro

The instruments of the chotis are the accordion

and the barrel organ.

Women wear colourful costumes, Manila shawls and decorate their hair with white handkerchiefs and
carnations. Men wear striped trousers, a waistcoat and a parpusa, which is a cap with a visor. Those who
dance the chotis are known as chulapos and chulapas, because they wear the typical costumes of Madrid.

“Folclore, chotis, organillo y gastronomía, un San Isidro con más sabor castizo 03” byAyuntamiento of Madrid, license CC BY 4.0
 Aurresku
The aurresku is the traditional dance of the
Basque Country.
It is a very popular dance and is usually
performed not only on important occasions, but
also at more personal celebrations, such as
weddings.

The dancers who dance the aurresku are called

dantzaris and the main instrument used in all the
dances is a three-holed flute called the txistu.

“Aurresku a Germán6” byJorab, license CC BY 3.0

 Jota
The jota is the typical regional dance of many areas of
Spain and is so widespread that it is divided into:
• Aragonese Jota
• Castilian Jota
• Manchegan Jota
• Mountain Jota

It can also be found in Asturias, Galicia, Extremadura...

The typical instruments of the jota are the castanets, the
bandurria, the drum and the dulzainas.