Fandango is a musical style characterized by its dance, with frantic, animated and exhibitionist movements, marked mainly by the tap dance.
Fandango dance is predominantly accompanied by violas and other string instruments. The melody's tempo, however, can be dramatic or choppy.
The people who participate in the fandango are known as fandangueiros and, according to the history of the origin of this genre musical, the fandango dance was what animated the main religious festivals, baptisms, weddings, and carnival, for example.
Fandango would have originated in the Iberian region (Portugal and Spain) and, according to some researchers, it is influenced by the Arab culture, which was quite strong in those countries.
Fandango in Brazil
In Brazil, the fandango is divided into two main popular folk groups that represent different regions of the country: the Northeast fandango it's the southern fandango.
Fandango do Nordeste is considered a tribute to sailors during the days before Christmas. For this reason, this genus of fandango is also known as marujada.
Fandango do Sul is quite popular in the culture of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná and southern São Paulo as a traditional southern dance.
Both genres of fandango were brought to Brazil through Portuguese (Azores) and Spanish colonizers. Over time, the original characteristics of the European fandango were syncretized with the typical elements of the caboclos and their local customs, generating particularities between the types of dance.
In recognition of its cultural importance, the fandango was declared an immaterial asset in southern Brazil by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute.
See also: the meaning of Folklore.