DAY 5: Listen to the melody...

 TRADITIONAL MUSIC

If it's your first time in Spain, like many others, you may believe that gypsy-influenced, fervent Flamenco is basically what comprises this country's national music.  Fortunately, this is one of those stereotypes about Spain that actually couldn't be further from the truth. 

With roots planted deeply in regional customs and local folklore, the music of  the Jota has evolved with the generations and has helped to cultivate and preserve traditions while managing to foster an awareness and appreciation for local identity. New generations of Aragonese and Zaragozan musicians are carrying on the traditional musical torch by taking notes from the past and using them for their own musical progression. They create new styles of folk by building on foundations and blending old methods with more modern ones. 

Here's a list of some of the local groups to check out:

Jota de San Lorenzo
Jota Vieja
Aragón Tierra Bravía
Gigantes y Cabezudos
La Dolores
Danza de la Olivera
José Antonio de Laboneta
Joaquin Carbonella
La ronda de Boltaña
O' Carolan
Azero