Carnavalito by Machingo Ábalos, Adolfo Ábalos

Carnavalito is a Tango written by Machingo Ábalos, Adolfo Ábalos and composed by Adolfo Ábalos.

Story behind the Tango Carnavalito

The lyrics of “Carnavalito” eloquently paint a picture of life and nature in the high Andean plateau. The repeated phrases, “carnavalito, de mi querer, toda la rueda venga a bailar,” which translate to “little carnival, my love, everyone comes to dance,” invite everyone into a collective celebration of culture and tradition. The narrator identifies himself as ‘Quebradeño’ indicating he is from the Quebrada, a narrow mountain valley, emphasizing a deep connection with his birthplace.

Symbolism of Carnavalito

The “Carnavalito” embodies the spirit of local festivity and community bonding. The use of “cerros,” or hills, represents the rugged life and beauty of the Quebrada region. The word “curtido” suggests being toughened or weathered by life’s hardships similar to the natural landscape. The “yaraví” mentioned symbolizes traditional music of the Andes, hinting at nostalgia and deep emotional currents. Finally, the phrase “yo hago un fogón donde quiera” which means “I make a fire wherever I can,” symbolizes self-reliance and warmth in the literal and metaphorical cold of the Andes nights.

Carnavalito in historic Context

Recorded in 1943, during a time when tango music was evolving, “Carnavalito” captures the rich cultural blend of Argentina. It was a moment when national identity was being shaped through arts, and reinventing native elements like Andean folk rhythms in popular music contexts was a way to affirm cultural pride. These lyrics and this festive tune likely offered a sense of belonging and a reaffirmation of cultural roots amidst the global disruptions of the World War II era.

Machingo Ábalos, Adolfo Ábalos

Machingo Ábalos and Adolfo Ábalos are noted Argentine artists remembered for their contribution to the blend of folk music traditions with the tango, enhancing the cultural tapestry of Argentina.