San Ictícola De Los Peces

Les Luthiers, an Argentine comedy-musical group known for their clever wordplay and satirical humor, present a humorous and ironic take on religious devotion and human folly in their song "San Ictícola De Los Peces." The song tells the story of the impoverished fishing village of Roca Povera in southern Italy, where the villagers fervently pray to San Ictícola, the patron saint of fish, for a bountiful catch. However, their prayers seem to go unanswered, leading to a series of comedic exchanges and misunderstandings.

The lyrics are rich with irony and satire, poking fun at the villagers' unwavering faith despite their continuous misfortune. The villagers' devotion to San Ictícola, who ironically is said to protect fish from being caught, highlights the absurdity of their situation. The song also features a series of humorous dialogues and puns, such as the confusion between "ermita" (hermitage) and "termita" (termite), and the playful banter about the villagers' sins and their need for repentance.

Les Luthiers use this narrative to critique blind faith and the human tendency to seek external solutions for internal problems. The villagers' shift from praying for fish to praying for tourists, specifically "Suecas, belgas y alemanas" (Swedes, Belgians, and Germans), further underscores the theme of misplaced priorities and the absurdity of their situation. The song ends on a humorous note, with the villagers singing a prayer to Santa Dominga de los Lactantes for tourists, highlighting the group's signature blend of satire, humor, and musical talent.

Through "San Ictícola De Los Peces," Les Luthiers masterfully blend humor and social commentary, creating a piece that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The song's clever wordplay, satirical narrative, and humorous critique of human nature make it a standout example of the group's unique style and artistic vision.