Last Friday night, the El Aljibe exhibition hall in Haría hosted the presentation of the Rancho de Pascuas de Haría's first album, titled "¿Aquí se canta o se reza?", available only on "Pendrive" format.
The presentation was very simple and emotional, with a full house, hosted by Luz Mary Duque, a member of the ranch. The event was attended by the Mayor of Haría City Council, Alfredo Villalba, the Councilors for Culture and Equality, Evelia García and Nuria Acuña, the Councilor for Crafts of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Aroa Revelo, as well as representatives from the Rancho de Ánimas de Tiscamanita from Fuerteventura and the Rancho de Pascuas de Teguise
This album, "Este disco ¿Aquí se canta o se reza?" (Does one sing or pray here?), is a project that, after a long period of preparation and dedication to recording its ancestral songbook, includes traditional Christmas carols that the ranch has offered year after year, both in the municipality of Haría and to the entire island in numerous events and celebrations. The album brings together eight musical pieces that allow the listener to immerse themselves in the Christmas season from a perspective deeply linked to popular musical tradition and the cultural heritage of Lanzarote. It is a repertoire that reflects the continuity of sonic expressions passed down from generation to generation
The Haría Easter Ranch is made up of 26 members. In its beginnings, the ranch was made up only of men; currently, the presence of women as an integral part and the "Rancho Chico," composed of several boys and girls, stands out.
Scarce historical references indicate that since approximately 1900, the beginning of the 20th century, it was booming during the 40s, suffering a decadent period until the approach of the 70s, it has had continuity since then
In its early days, the ranch was characterized by the use of percussion instruments, especially iron ones like swords, triangles, tambourines, bells, and the incorporation of string instruments, timple, guitar, requinto, and picks
The album ¿Aquí se canta o se reza? (Is it sung or prayed here?) is composed of eight musical tracks such as: Santo Domingo de Parada, Venid Pastorcillos, Santa Bárbara Bendita, Las Pascuas, Alegría, Ven conmigo Pastorcillo, Ha nacido un Niño, and En las pajas de un Establo. The album cover is a work by Roberto F. Perdomo.
The audience enjoyed every song the ranch performed at the presentation, receiving prolonged applause as their reward.
This album, the first recording by Rancho de Pascuas de Haría, has been made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Cabildo de Lanzarote and the Haría City Council, whose support has been fundamental in bringing this cultural initiative to fruition.