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    The origins of the Habaneras are no quite clear though most studies point out that they come from Cuba. Actually, the name Habanera comes from its capital city, La Habana.

    During the XVIII and XIX centuries, the trade between Spain and America, especially the Cuban island was constant. Spain sent products like salt to the Caribbean island and got sugar and tobacco among other goods in return.

    Very likely, Spanish sailors brought Cuban rhythms to Spain and during their long journeys, they mixed those songs with our own folklore, which eventually brought about the Habaneras.

The habanera dance is basically a romantic chant about love and heartbreaks.

However, the Independence Cuban War in the late XIX century brought about a patriotic sense.

Sailors who came back to Spain sang them in pubs feeling homesickness for Cuba and the love stories left behind.

Although they were originally written in Cuba, current Habaneras have been mainly written by non-Cuban musicians.

    This “bell canto” is very popular in Spain and it is a musical genre highly appreciated by choirs, which often devote to habaneras exclusively, especially in Cataluña.