The Corri-Corri is the dance par excellence of Arenas de Cabrales and is considered one of the oldest and most mysterious cultural manifestations of Asturias. Its origins are lost in time, perhaps in prehistoric times? The first written reference dates back to 1886, documented by the writer José Saro in his chronicles for the newspaper El Oriente de Asturias, where he already highlighted its ancestral uniqueness.
Scene and Ritual
The dance represents a ritual procession of solemn and distant character. Its composition is unique: a single man, called "el bailín", dances in front of a group of five or six women, "las bailaoras". The dynamic is a game of seduction and rejection in which the man advances and the women retreat, or vice versa, without ever reaching physical contact.
The musical accompaniment is austere and percussive, which accentuates its archaic character. There are no bagpipes, but a chorus of women ("cantaoras") who play the drum and the "pandorios" (a kind of tambourine with a wooden handle), while chanting religious and legendary romances in unison:
"Válgame nuestra señora / válgame la madre santa.... / I saw coming down from a hill / a beautiful pilgrim..."
The costumes
Distinguish Corri-Corri from other dances of eastern Asturias. Although it has similarities with the llanisca costume, the costume of the cabraliegas stands out for its sobriety and elegance: cloth skirts in red, brown or maroon shades, black velvet apron (never in bright colors) adorned with jet, silk handkerchief, white stockings and black shoes. The outfit conveys the same seriousness and respect as the dance itself.
When to see the Corri-Corri? (Safe Dates)
Although it is possible to find performances at various cultural events, tradition marks two dates in the calendar of Arenas de Cabrales where the performance of the Corri-Corri is absolutely guaranteed:
- Festivities of Saint John the Baptist: Patron Saint of Arenas (around June 24).
- Cabrales Cheese Contest: Traditionally held on the last Sunday in August.
Click in this text to view a Video on Youtube with the corri-corri dance.