The petenera is one of the most enigmatic songs in flamenco. A genre shrouded in myth, mystery, and legend whose origin is still quite uncertain. This song has always maintained a close relationship with superstition, as it was said to bring bad luck to all those who performed it (in the same way as the alboreá, a gypsy wedding song). For this reason, many gypsy singers avoided not only singing it but also hearing it.
It is one of the most sentimental flamenco styles, composed of sad and melancholic verses, which is almost always performed slowly. But it is also one of the oldest, being one of the most practiced after the classic seguiriyas.
But, does the expression “salir por peteneras” and its meaning have anything to do with this genre? Today, we’ll tell you what peteneras consist of and how this expression, which we currently use in our daily lives, originated.
What are Peteneras?
The peteneras of flamenco are a style characterized by having a compass of four octosyllabic verses which, when sung, usually become six by repeating one and adding another after the group.
Its times are regulated by 6/8 and 3/4 compasses, placing their strong accents as follows: 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2 1-2 1-2.
What is the Origin of the Petenera?
The petenera is a genre that already existed before it was adapted to flamenco. According to some experts, they are somewhat related to the zarabandas and it is believed that its name comes from the singer known as “La Petenera”, native of Paterna de la Rivera, who lived in the 18th century.
However, there is no theory accepted by all flamenco researchers about its origin. Some think it originated in the American continent, where there is also another genre known by this name in the area of Veracruz (Mexico), while others claim that it is a genre born in Spain.
At that time, it was thought that peteneras were of Sephardic origin due to the various references to this culture made in several of the lyrics. However, the most solid theory is the one that has its roots in Veracruz, since its melodies and harmony are very similar to those of current peteneras.
In any case, the truth is that the petenera is currently one of the most popular styles of flamenco. It is a very romantic and emotional song, primarily focusing on themes of love and heartbreak. And, although its origin is not entirely clear, it has often been associated with bad luck.
Where Does the Expression “Irse Por Peteneras” Come from?
The expression irse or salir por peteneras, has an unknown origin. It is used as an idiom when someone we are talking to changes the subject of the conversation to avoid answering or talking about something that doesn’t interest them. According to the RAE, “To do or say something out of context”, that is, to do or say something that has nothing to do with what is being talked about or dealt with, or in a broader sense, “to give an evasive answer, especially when this evasive way of responding is found to be irritating, disrespectful, or criticizable”.
For example, we can go off on a tangent (irse por peteneras):
- When returning from a place we don’t want anyone to know about and someone asks us, we respond with a brief “I was around, I don’t know”.
- Or when someone asks us to talk about something we don’t fully know and we don’t want to look bad in front of others. So, we start telling what we think in as much detail as we can remember.
- Or when someone has promised something and ends up making excuses, alluding to a series of reasons for not fulfilling the promise.
These types of reactions are common, for example, in the field of politics, when our leaders try to avoid questions that put them in a tight spot, adorning them with all kinds of flourishes, to try to look good, when in reality the answer often has nothing to do with it. In the end, what is done is to answer without going to the bottom of the issue, going off on a tangent to try to divert attention.
