Miriñaque by

Miriñaque is a Tango written by and composed by Alberto Mastra.

Story behind the Tango Miriñaque

“Miriñaque” transports its listeners to a bygone era, recreating a vivid tapestry of life in Buenos Aires in 1910. The tango is an evocative reminiscence, yearning for a particular past where elegance, tradition, and social conventions dominated daily life. The lyrics open a window to a time when women wore the voluminous “miriñaque” skirts, and men displayed meticulously styled facial hair, like sideburns and mustaches, along with fashion details such as high collars and specific types of neckties. The tango narrates a bittersweet longing for this past, which contrasts sharply with the contemporary life the singer is forced to conform to.

Symbolism of Miriñaque

The central symbol of the “miriñaque,” a hoop skirt, represents elegance, tradition, and a specific cultural identity from the turn of the century in Buenos Aires. It symbolizes the longing for a time of more rigid social structures but also of beauty and grace. This longing is further emphasized with phrases like “¿Dónde están mis tiempos queridos?” (Where are my beloved times?) and “¡con todo orgullo yo me quedo con mis tiempos!” (With all pride, I stay with my times!). These expressions underscore a nostalgia that reveres the past’s perceived simplicity and clarity against the backdrop of the swiftly changing present. The song reminisces about folkloric elements of Buenos Aires’ culture, such as horse carts (carreteros), and notable areas like Barrio Norte, enriching its cultural narrative.

Miriñaque in historic Context

Composed in 1949, “Miriñaque” reflects a time in Argentine history marked by rapid social change and modernization, which followed World War II. Buenos Aires, as a bustling metropolis, was seeing shifts away from traditions that had characterized the early 20th century. There was significant tension between the nostalgia for an older, more orderly society and the inevitability of change. The references to specific locations like Barrio Norte and nostalgic figures evoke a shared cultural memory among the listeners, grounding the tango in a rich regional past. Moreover, by lamenting the disappearance of cultural landmarks and people, the lyrics highlight a collective memory and identity in conflict with contemporary progress.

Alberto Mastra was a renowned Uruguayan composer and guitarist who contributed significantly to the tango music scene, leaving an indelible mark with his evocative compositions.