La Cerrillana

Los Nocheros' song 'La Cerrillana' is a heartfelt tribute to a love story that blossoms during the vibrant festivities of a carnival in Cerrillos, a town in Argentina. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man who is captivated by a beautiful woman with long braids, dressed in a traditional skirt. The imagery of him riding his horse and dismounting to get closer to her highlights the traditional and rural setting of the story, evoking a sense of nostalgia and cultural pride.

The song's narrative unfolds as the protagonist watches the woman dance, his heartstrings pulled by her beauty and grace. The mention of 'mosquetear'—a term that can imply flirting or courting—suggests the beginning of a romantic pursuit. The chorus reveals the depth of his feelings, as he credits Cerrillos for bringing him his beloved. The repetition of 'morena cerrillana' emphasizes his admiration and devotion to her, promising to sing to her with all his soul and life, and to take her to the carnival every year.

As the story progresses, the couple dances together through the night, surrounded by the lively atmosphere of the carnival, with fireworks and streamers adding to the festive mood. The reference to 'Miércoles de ceniza' (Ash Wednesday) and being covered in flour signifies the end of the carnival and the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection and penance in the Catholic tradition. The song concludes with the couple riding off together on his horse, symbolizing the start of their life together. 'La Cerrillana' is a celebration of love, tradition, and the joyous spirit of the carnival, capturing the essence of Argentine culture and the timeless nature of romance.