Tutuy Que Quema

Los Trovadores de Cuyo's song "Tutuy Que Quema" is a poignant lament for the erosion of cultural traditions in the Cuyo region of Argentina. The lyrics are imbued with a deep sense of loss and sorrow, symbolized by the recurring metaphor of burning. The phrase "tutuy que quema" (which roughly translates to "it burns") is a powerful expression of the pain felt as cherished traditions are forgotten and replaced by foreign influences. The song's narrator, addressing "tía Magdalena," a figure who could represent an elder or a guardian of tradition, underscores the emotional weight of this cultural shift.

The song's imagery of fire and burning is central to its message. The opening lines compare the pain of losing tradition to a burning ember, suggesting that this loss is both intense and consuming. The repetition of "la tradición se quema" (tradition is burning) serves as a stark reminder of the cultural erosion taking place. The lyrics also highlight the specific traditions at risk, such as the cuecas, tonadas, and gatos, which are traditional music and dance forms of the region. The mention of these art forms being forgotten underscores the tangible aspects of culture that are being lost.

In addition to mourning the loss of tradition, the song also serves as a call to action. The narrator's vow to continue singing about the traditions of San Luis, San Juan, and Mendoza, the three provinces of the Cuyo region, is a declaration of resistance against cultural erasure. By invoking the "gran general," likely a reference to General San Martín, a national hero of Argentina, the song ties the preservation of cultural traditions to the broader theme of national pride and identity. "Tutuy Que Quema" is thus both a lament and a rallying cry, urging listeners to remember and cherish their cultural heritage.