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= Tonadas = Tonadas are rhythmically rich folk songs. They are often accompanied by a harp or guitar. These songs can be written and played for a variety of situations and places. They can be written as a serenade, called esquinazos. They can also be written as a blessing or praise for a bride and groom, called a parabien. Tonadas can be written about romance, and for times of celebrating Christ’s birth, called carols. (Wikipedia)  These songs have also had political and social influence on Chile. In the 1920s, tonadas were sung and played in concert settings. They also became part of popular music groups in cities during the 1920s. This type of music was able to move from urban to rural populations, which reflected what was happening in Chile’s economic status during this time. (Wikipedia)  There is a National Festival of Tonadas in Argentina each year in February. The fact that many countries celebrate tonadas shows that they are very influential songs in South American culture as a whole, and that they are universally relatable.



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