Harana (serenade)

Harana is a practice of serenade rendered in rural areas of the Philippines. The songs usually sung in harana are Kundiman or dansas.

Etymology
The name, "harana", is derived from the jarana, a guitar-like string instrument from Mexico; which in turn is an adaptation of the Spanish vihuela. 

History
The harana was widely practiced in the early part of the Spanish Philippines period, derived from Mexican mariachi strains, and the folk music of Spain. It became a traditional form of nocturnal courtship music, by men singing beneath the window of their beloved. 

It in many parts of the Philippines with a set of protocols, a code of conduct, and a specific style of music. The main instrument used for harana is the guitar, either accompanied for the singing courter, or played by him. Other instruments such as the bandurya and, infrequently a violin and clarinet, are also employed to enhance the accompaniment.

References

Category:Indigenous Philippine music