Vallenatos

Los vallenatos originated on the Northern Coast of Colombia. This is popular folk music, and although it  is most commonly heard in Colombia, it's rapidly gaining popularity, all over the world. Like the slaves sang and danced, to express their sorrows, this music was sang to tell a story, give a message or express your feelings. This music is tipically interpreted with three instruments: El acordeon diatonico, la guacharaca, y la caja, which is a small drum made with goat's fur. "Vallenato," can best be interpreted, as "people of the valley." This music is more often listened than danced to. The reason for this, is that it has a very slow rhythm and is usually heard at reunions. It is not the tipycal music you would hear at a club. Although, this music can also be very festive and enjoyable. It just depends on your background and your own taste. Where I come from, this music is very popular and often hackneyed. It is also heard at the disco and clubs. As a matter of fact, there are discos, where the only type of music played is Vallenatos. So as you can see, its popularity varies from place to place.