Harana: The Folk Music of the Philippines

Harana is a type of traditional Philippine folk music. It is characterized by its use of Filipino instruments and love ballads.

What is Harana?

Harana is a traditional form of Filipino folk music in which a man serenades a woman outside her window at night. The word “harana” comes from the Spanish verb “cantar,” meaning “to sing.”

Harana is usually performed as a solo by a man, who often accompanies himself on guitar or another stringed instrument. While the lyrics of harana songs are often about love and longing, they can also be about other topics such as nature, history, or current events.

The harana tradition is said to date back to the 16th century, when Spanish colonists first arrived in the Philippines. It eventually became one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the country and was often performed in public squares and at festivals.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in harana, with many young Filipinos learning to play the guitar and sing traditional hariana songs. The music has also been popularized by Filipino musicians who have incorporated it into more modern styles such as pop and rock.

The History of Harana

Harana is a traditional form of Philippine folk music. It is a serenade, usually performed by a man, in which he sings to a woman in the hopes of winning her affections. The word “harana” comes from the Spanish word “haran,” meaning “to serenade.”

The tradition of harana dates back to the Spanish colonial era, when it was common for young men to sing under the window of their beloved in the hopes of winning her hand in marriage. The songs were often about love and longing, and were meant to be a declaration of the singer’s feelings for the woman.

Today, harana is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, as more and more Filipinos are rediscovering their musical roots. While the tradition may have changed over time, the heart of harana remains the same: it is a beautiful expression of love and courtship, and a treasured part of Philippine culture.

Harana Today

Harana is a type of music and dance originating in the Philippines. The music consists of three parts: the sung verses, the music played on a string instrument, and the harana itself, which is a type of dance. Harana is traditionally performed by a man and a woman, who sing and dance together. The man sings the verses, while the woman dances.

Harana is thought to have originated in the northern Philippines, but it quickly spread throughout the country. Today, harana is still popular in many parts of the Philippines. It is often performed at Filipino weddings and other special occasions.

Harana today is not just a type of music; it is also an important part of Filipino culture. Many modern Filipino musicians have been influenced by harana, and there are even some groups who specialize in playing this type of music. If you are interested in learning more about harana, or if you are planning to visit the Philippines, be sure to check out some of the many great resources available on this topic.

The Future of Harana

In order to ensure the future of harana, the music must be performed and passed down to new generations. There are a few ways this is being accomplished. First, there are a number of music schools in the Philippines that teach harana and other traditional musical styles. Second, there are many recording artists who are keeping the music alive by recording and releasing harana albums. Finally, there are a number of Philippine cultural organizations that sponsor concerts and other events that feature harana music.