Students from all schools in Huila will be able to register and participate in the Rajaleñas Departmental Contest, whose call is now open, and promoted by the Tierra de Promita educational institution, of Neiva, and the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge.
The “Tierra de Promisiones” school works to rescue Opita traditions through the Contest, a space in which boys, girls, adolescents and teachers can demonstrate their potential and love for the Huilense culture,” the call highlighted.
“We invite the entire educational community of Neiva and all of Huila to join, register, participate and, above all, put into practice all those skills and competencies in musical art and communication,” said Pablo Emilio Polo Collazos, rector of Promised Land.
The Contest will have:
- Children’s category, with participants between 8 and 12 years old
- Youth category, for students ages 12 and up.
The groups must have at least six members and a maximum of 15 and include a teacher, and wear the typical costume alluding to the Rajaleña.
“Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Knowledge, important cash prizes will be offered,” said rector Polo Collazos.
Registration will remain open until May 22 at the departmental educational institution Tierra de Promisiones, and at the email [email protected].
You may also be interested in: Rajaleña: the most authentic expression of the culture of Huila
The event will be on May 24.
The rajaleña is one of the most authentic cultural expressions that is considered to have been born in the fields of northern Huila and even southern Tolima.
Farm workers and laborers used to get together after finishing work and sing songs that mixed irony, humor, mockery and even double meanings.
The verses sought to entertain by referring to family and friends, employers, the government or any topic that would facilitate the rhyming of the couplets.
Accompanied by guitar and treble, other instruments of pre-Hispanic origin and even Africa were added.
The expression “rajaleña” could refer to one of the common jobs in the field, and it spread due to its popular use to criticize or “rajar” others.
