The 8 sones of the Tamunangue
The Tamunangue is the most important cultural manifestation of El Tocuyo. Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation since 2014, it is composed of an initial salve and eight ritual sones that are performed in strict order.
1. La Batalla
Simulated combat between two men with sticks. Ritual opening.
2. La Bella
Flirtation of the couple with octosyllabic quatrains. Variants "Bella Trovada" and "Bella Doble" (Sanare).
3. La Juruminga
The couple follows the singer's instructions. Refrain "juruminga no má".
4. El Yiyivamos
First properly danced son, according to many practitioners.
5. La Perrendenga
Stick game with the refrain "tomé ay tó".
6. El Poco a Poco
Theatrical mime: sick, drunk, mounted on horseback. Pentasyllabic verses.
7. El Galerón
Couple in ternary measure, similar to slow joropo.
8. El Seis Corrido and Seis Figuriao
Closing. The Seis Figuriao is the most complex: three couples make 32–36 geometric figures in a minor key.
When they are performed
The 8 sones make up the complete ritual of June 13 (Saint Anthony of Padua) and of any promise payment during the year. The devotees hire the group and have the complete Tamunangue danced as an offering.
→ Read the complete guide to the Tamunangue and the feast of Saint Anthony
Sources consulted
This article was prepared using the following sources. If you find an error or have additional information, please contact us.
- Fundación Polar — Diccionario de Historia de Venezuela — Reference framework for colonial-era dates, biographies, and events.
- Venezuelan National Academy of History — Bibliography and reference publications on the colonial period.
- Spanish Wikipedia — articles on El Tocuyo, Municipio Morán, and historical figures — Starting point with cross-verification against primary sources.
- Venezuelan Institute of Cultural Heritage (IPC) — Cultural goods, festivities, and intangible heritage of Lara state.
- Lisandro Alvarado — Glossary of Venezuelan Indigenous Words (1921) and other works — Linguistic, ethnographic, and historical reference by the El Tocuyo–born author.