Carnaval de antaño

Carnaval de antaño is a Tango written by Sebastián Piana and recorded by Carlos di Sarli in 1927. Carlos di Sarli has recorded Carnaval de antaño as an instrumental Tango.

“Carnaval de antaño,” or “Carnival of Yesteryear,” evokes a nostalgic celebration, where echoes of laughter and dance from bygone eras come alive. It is a dance of memory, rekindling forgotten joys and vibrant festivities from the past. Through its melodies, it weaves a tapestry of vivid nostalgia, inviting the listener to revel in the warmth of cherished moments long gone.

Tango

Style

Carlos di Sarli

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Manuel Romero

Author

Sebastián Piana

Composer

1927/3/27

Date

Instrumental

Carlos di Sarli

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Ángel d’Agostino – No creas – 1943/3/23
Ángel d’Agostino – Hay que vivirla compadre – 1942/9/2
Ángel d’Agostino – Ronda de tango – 1943/8/10
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Ángel d’Agostino – Mi distinguida pebeta – 1952/1/24

Alfredo De Angelis – No le digas que la quiero – 1955/12/13
Alfredo De Angelis – Miguelito el arriero – 1951/11/5
Alfredo De Angelis – Siempre milonga – 1981/1/1
Alfredo De Angelis – Lo llevo en la sangre – 1953/5/6
Alfredo De Angelis – Plata – 1957/8/9

Aníbal Troilo – La mentirosa – (unknown date)
Aníbal Troilo – Una lágrima tuya – 1949/3/30
Aníbal Troilo – La bordona – 1958/6/6
Aníbal Troilo – Morena – 1965/1/13
Aníbal Troilo – La trampera – (unknown date)

Wow, how beautiful the carnivals are
from those times of axe and chalk in Pilar.
Where are they now?
What happened to that time?
When I remember it, it makes my skin crawl.
Today the posh people, on the balconies,
degenerate into paper battles.
At that time, che,
a real man
beat up a guy or his poster would go in the trash.

Do you remember the carnival?
from 1912,
that carved in the Pigall
the Posse gang?
Do you remember that feast?
in that little mess,
there by Rodriguez Pena,
that ended with a first aid kit?
And the biaba that charged
that poor cocoliche
who played the accordion
at the door of a bowling alley?
What a lovely time that was!
What a lovely carnival!
Things ended at the hospital door.

Wow, how beautiful the carnivals are!
from those times that can never return!
Poster women,
unparalleled handsomeness
and in the middle of the dance the flash of a dagger.
Today the boys, with streamers,
On the balconies they entertain themselves by playing.
At that time, che,
a father of a coat of arms
He would shoot from a balcony to party.

Wow, how beautiful the carnivals are
from those times of the bufoso and the facón.

English lyrics of the Tango "Carnaval de antaño"

Wow, how marvelous the carnivals were
from those days of axe and chalk in Pilar.
Where are they now?
What happened to those times?
It gives me chills just to think about it.
Today, the posh crowd, from the balconies,
stoop to mere paper skirmishes.
Back then, my friend,
a real man
would knock another down or else be ridiculed.

Do you recall the carnival,
back in 1912,
that wreaked havoc in the Pigall
with the Posse gang?
Do you recall that wild celebration?
In that little mess,
over by Rodriguez Pena,
that ended with a trip to the medic?
And the beating they gave
that poor immigrant
who played the accordion
outside the bar?
Oh, what splendid times!
What a marvelous carnival!
Things wound up at the hospital doors.

Wow, how stunning the carnivals were!
from those eras that will never return!
Women on posters,
matchless charms
and amidst the dance, a dagger glinting.
Today, the young ones, with streamers,
amuse themselves on balconies playing games.
Back then, my friend,
a reputable father
would fire from a balcony in celebration.

Wow, how wonderful the carnivals were
from those days of guns and large knives.

Carnaval de antaño by Manuel Romero

Carnaval de antaño is a Tango written by Manuel Romero and composed by Sebastián Piana.

Story behind the Tango Carnaval de antaño

The lyrics of “Carnaval de antaño,” translate to “Carnival of Yesteryear,” reflect a nostalgic look back at the carnivals from the early 20th century in Argentina, contrasting them with the more sanitized celebrations of the song’s present day. Romero vividly recounts the lively and somewhat violent festivities that were once a staple of the Argentine Carnival, evoking a sense of loss for the audacious spirit that characterized those times.

Symbolism of Carnaval de antaño

The carnival itself is a powerful symbol of freedom and transgression. The repeated line “Wow, how beautiful the carnivals are” signifies not just an admiration for the festivals themselves but also for what they represented – a time of unrestrained joy and communal expression. Key phrases like “the flash of a dagger” and “in the middle of the dance” highlight the raw, unfiltered nature of past carnivals contrasted with “today the boys, with streamers, On the balconies they entertain themselves by playing,” showcasing a sanitized, subdued celebration.