Cristófolo Cacarnú

Divididos' song 'Cristófolo Cacarnú' offers a satirical and critical perspective on colonialism and the way history is often written by the victors. The song addresses Queen Isabel, likely referring to Queen Isabella I of Castile, who sponsored Christopher Columbus' voyages to the Americas. The lyrics question her thoughts on the legacy of colonialism, highlighting the negative aspects such as the destruction of indigenous cultures and the exploitation of resources. The line 'tu museo no huele bien' suggests that the glorified history presented in museums is tainted and not as noble as it seems.

The repeated mention of 'Cristófolo Cacarnú' is a play on the name Christopher Columbus, mocking him as a 'cacarnú,' a term that can be interpreted as a fool or an incompetent person. This satirical nickname serves to undermine the traditional heroic narrative often associated with Columbus, instead portraying him as the 'first worker' who initiated a legacy of exploitation and suffering for indigenous peoples. The song juxtaposes the grandeur of colonial achievements with the grim reality of their consequences, such as the burning of books and skin, symbolizing the erasure of cultures and lives.

The lyrics also touch on the natural resources and indigenous people encountered by the colonizers, mentioning 'la papa y el cacao' (potato and cocoa) and 'esos indios en bolas' (those naked Indians). These lines emphasize the exoticization and dehumanization of native populations, reducing them to mere curiosities or resources to be exploited. The reference to 'el pico del tucán' (the beak of the toucan) further underscores the superficial fascination with the New World's flora and fauna, ignoring the deeper cultural and human impact of colonization.