Tururururú

By Gustavo Giménez

Editor’s note:

It’s you who’s to blame. 

These words – part of a well-known song – echo nowadays through Spain’s collective memory as an eerie reminder of the 40 long and dark years that the country spent under the ruling of fascist dictator Francisco Franco.

“Summer is gone” a.k.a “Tururururú” is an adaptation of an older, popular song called “La Tía Vinagre”. It has been listened to in Spain since the civil war which took place between 1936 and 1939. For decades, it was sung by republicans protesting Franco’s regime, and became a part of the country’s forbidden folklore. Over the years, its lyrics have been adapted to the current times, however, it’s political nature remains untouched. 

Experimental singer and composer Gustavo Giménez has decided to make his own rendition of the song during lockdown in Zaragoza. He has, once again, changed the lyrics to describe the current reality of the country. Featuring unusual and complex vocal techniques layered on top of each other through the use of a pedalboard, Gustavo references the current monarch and the council of ministers from an empty swimming pool in Zaragoza.

As extreme-right parties such as VOX gain popularity throughout the country, this song has become a relevant conversation once again. It is a symbol of a broken Spain that has never truly healed.

Link to the original video here.