“Me siento muy triste, hoy me marchare, aunque voy muy lejos, prometo volver” farewell merengue song from Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts.
Whether it is during your arrival, or upon departure, the lyrics of the merengue theme songs from Bahia Principe, will forever be in your vacation memories. Even more so if you visit each year.
Did you know…? This popular Dominican genre finds its roots back in the late XIX century. It began to become popular in the American continent and part of Europe. In 2016 it became part of the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. The Merengue is not just a dance, but a manifestation of the Dominican culture. As a result, lyrics, rhythms and dancing steps converge to create a tale of romance. It can also be about a passage of history or a family story. A certain ex-president of the country actually tried banning the genre due to its dance and lyrics. However this was to no avail, as it had quickly taken over the island.
The truest form of merengue is, certainly, that which combines the sounds produced from the accordion, the drum, bass drum, a guitar and a güira. Named “merengue tipico” by Dominicans, this assembly of instruments actually references all the cultures from which their idiosyncrasy descends from: European, African and Taina –the late aboriginal culture which inhabited the island. Most recent bands have included the sax and other wind instruments.
Nowadays merengue has conquered the hearts of many, having reached and infiltrated other cultures. In the 80s it was combined with hip-hop by many local artists from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, presenting a fresh and upbeat version. In Argentina it came to be known as Merenteto, when combined with a quartet. Meanwhile in Venezuela with an addition of electronic sounds they created Technomerengue. Nowadays it is not uncommon to come across this tropical rhythm from local bands in Colombia, Panama, Honduras and the southern region of Spain.
Finally, as you can see, while wearing the three colors of their national flag, Dominican men and women sway to the sound of a genre that truly identifies them. The legs, arms and hips just move along their emotions.
Yo volveré ¡eh! ¡eh!, Yo volveré volveré ¡eh! ¡eh!, gratos recuerdos llevo de Bahia Principe.
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