Every summer, the beach at Sa Riera plays host to an important event on our calendar: the traditional Cantada d’Havaneres (singing of sea shanties) by the Port-Bo trio, at the Club Nàutic. An event which simply cannot be enjoyed without a glass of rom cremat (which translates literally as “burnt rum”). Today, we will discuss this unique musical genre which brings together the two geographically distant yet culturally linked populations of Catalonia and Cuba.

A song of coming and going

This is the name given to the melodies and rhythms that travelled to the island of Cuba and fused with its own African rhythms. Catalonia and Spain became the recipient of several different results of that cultural melting pot, including the havanera sea shanty, which became a cornerstone of the Empordà region’s culture.

The origins of the rhythm can be traced back to a long series of complex events that took place in 19th Century Cuba. However, the first seed was sown in the middle of the 18th Century, when the popular European country-dance music that originated in 16th Century England finally arrived on Cuban shores. In the beginning, it was simply a tune to dance to with no lyrics. But soon, a few of the more cultured musicians began to adapt the music for piano and wrote lyrics to accompany it. And so it was, that thanks to the sailors and soldiers returning from the Cuban war, those melancholy songs came to find refuge and popularity on the Catalan coast, especially in the nearby town of Calella de Palafrugell. Which brings us to the stars of the Cantada de Sa Riera.

The Port-Bo trio

Our stars are genuine veterans of the genre. The group, which formed in 1966, was among the instigators of the most prestigious cantada on the Costa Brava, the Cantada de Calella de Palafrugell. The original group was accompanied on piano by the composer Frederic Sirés, who wrote La Gavina. Today the group consists of tenor Josep Nadal; baritone Irineo “Mineu” Ferrer, and as bass, the musical director and guitar player, Carles Casanovas.

Port-Bo is one of the best-known groups in our region. They can lay claim to more than 23 recorded albums, more than 200 songs, collaborations with artists such as Nina, Manel, Marina Rossell, and the Cobla Montgrins, as well as to performances in Europe, Israel, and Tokyo. Port-Bo promise us a magnificent evening of havaneres accompanied, of course, by the popular…

Rom Cremat, the essential accompaniment

Mornings on the Costa Brava can be cold, even in the summer. To ward off the morning chill, Empordà’ s sailors took to drinking this distinctly Caribbean-style concoction of Cuban rum, coffee beans, lemon, cinnamon, and sugar. Once the drink is warmed through, it is set alight to burn off some of the alcohol. The drink is enjoyed warm to prepare you for a hard day at sea.

Rom cremat is popular throughout Catalonia. Many inland bars serve a similar version made with rum or brandy called “calent” or “cremat”, and one way or another, it is (or rather, was) the drink of choice among the artisans of all the Catalan territories.

But, above all, rom cremat is the inseparable partner of all havanera concerts. These events normally take place in the evenings and in the open-air. Traditionally, a cantada can last until well into the night and there’s nothing like a cremat to warm voices and spirits.

We welcome you to join us on the 12th of August, for the next traditional evening of authentic havaneres from the Empordà region. Hope to see you there.