Chaco Escondido

El Chaqueño Palavecino's song "Chaco Escondido" is a vibrant homage to the Chaco region in Argentina, particularly the Salteño Chaco. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a community deeply connected to its land and traditions. The song opens with a description of the joyful sounds of violins and bombos (drums) breaking the silence of the dense forest, setting the stage for a celebration that brings together various indigenous groups like the Tobas, Wichis, and Chorotes, along with the local criollos. This unity is further emphasized as they embrace each other, sharing in the festivities before the wine runs out.

The song also highlights the resilience and warmth of the Chaco people. Despite their hardships, they find joy in simple pleasures like food and drink, symbolized by the quirquincho (armadillo), wine, and asado (barbecue). The lyrics reflect a sense of hope and perseverance, as the people dream of a day when their struggles will be remembered as a thing of the past. This sentiment is beautifully captured in the lines about the good and suffering people who live with love and hope.

Cultural and environmental themes are interwoven throughout the song. The arrival of friends and relatives from neighboring countries like Bolivia and Paraguay signifies the dissolution of borders, fostering a sense of regional unity. The song also touches on environmental concerns, with a plea for the preservation of native trees like palo santo, quebracho, and cebil from harmful deforestation. The imagery of stars bathing in the water and the dust kicked up by dancing gauchos near the three borders encapsulates the essence of a hidden Chaco, where joy and tradition thrive despite challenges.