Pongale Por Las Hileras

The song 'Pongale Por Las Hileras' by Los Chalchaleros is a vibrant cueca, a traditional dance and music style from South America, particularly popular in Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. The lyrics celebrate the grape harvest in the Cuyo region, which is known for its wine production. The cueca is often characterized by its lively rhythm and is danced with handkerchiefs that the dancers wave as they perform.

The opening recited verse sets the tone, likening the pruning of grapevines to the improvement of the harvest, and dedicating the song to the provinces of Cuyo. This metaphor suggests that just as careful cultivation improves the grapevines, so does the region flourish with attention and care. The song then vividly describes the harvest season, with the 'brillo de chapecas' (sparkle of the sickle) in the workers' eyes, and the back-and-forth journey from vineyard to winery. The chorus, 'Pongale por las hileras,' which translates to 'Put it through the rows,' is a call to ensure not a single grape is missed, emphasizing the importance of the harvest and the communal effort to produce wine.

The second verse paints a picture of a young couple, momentarily leaving their work to dance a cueca among the grapevines, symbolizing the joy and cultural traditions that permeate the harvest. The song concludes with an evening scene where local songs fill the air and wine, described as 'espulga sueños' (dream plucker), is shared. This imagery not only celebrates the hard work of the day but also the communal spirit and cultural richness of the region's people. 'Pongale Por Las Hileras' is a tribute to the traditions, labor, and life of the Cuyo provinces, encapsulated in the rhythms of the cueca.