Free traditional concert next to the iconic lighthouse of Cabo de Palos

One of the most traditional events of the summer returns to Cabo de Palos on Saturday 18th July in the shape of the “Concierto de Habaneras”, a concert at 21.30 in the parish church of Santa María del Mar.

For many years this has been one of the most popular events in this part of the Costa Cálida, after the first concert took place in 1990 right at the foot of the iconic lighthouse. At that time the director of the Coral Polifónica Carthagonova, José Espinosa, vowed to compose a Habanera based on a poem in which the lighthouse is described as the guardian of the del Mediterranean, and the piece was duly performed at the same venue the following year.

The songs featured arrived in Spain due to the trans-Atlantic trading routes established in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the “habanera” genre having originated in La Habana, the capital of Cuba, and are a blend of influences from the continents of Europe and Africa. The trading routes based on the Mediterranean coast of Spain were typically used to transport salt from this country to the Caribbean, bringing back tobacco, sugar and other products on the return voyage.

At this year’s event the Coral Polifónica Carthagonova is sharing the spotlight with the Coral Amadeus Jesús María de Murcia, who are performing a programme of popular songs, habaneras and classical tunes.

For more forthcoming events in the Costa Cálida go to the What’s On section of Murcia Today.

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