Haz Turismo

Celtas Cortos' song 'Haz Turismo' is a biting satire on the concept of military intervention and the glorification of war. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of soldiers as 'tourists' who travel the world, not to explore and appreciate different cultures, but to invade and conquer. The song opens with a call to soldiers to 'form up' for a tourism trip, immediately setting a tone of irony. The soldiers are described as 'Rambos' and 'marines,' figures often idolized in popular culture, especially by young boys who dream of becoming heroes. However, the song quickly subverts this image by highlighting the absurdity and brutality of their actions.

The chorus, 'Haz turismo invadiendo un país,' which translates to 'Do tourism by invading a country,' is a scathing commentary on how military actions are often portrayed as heroic and necessary. The lyrics mock the idea that soldiers are doing something noble, suggesting instead that they are merely following orders from higher-ups like the CIA or the president. The mention of countries like Panama, Nicaragua, and the fictional Numancia serves to underline the historical and ongoing nature of such interventions, often justified under the guise of solving problems but resulting in violence and chaos.

The song also touches on the personal impact of these actions, with lines like 'Te verá tu mama orgullosa disparando algún pobre muchacho,' meaning 'Your mom will see you proudly shooting some poor kid.' This stark imagery serves to humanize the victims of these invasions, contrasting sharply with the dehumanized, macho image of the soldiers. By framing military intervention as a form of tourism, Celtas Cortos effectively critiques the trivialization and commercialization of war, urging listeners to question the true cost of such actions.