Viva La Quinta Brigada (Ay, Carmela)
Rolando Alárcon
The Battle Cry of Resilience: Viva La Quinta Brigada
The song 'Viva La Quinta Brigada (Ay, Carmela)' by Rolando Alárcon is a stirring tribute to the bravery and struggles of the Fifth Brigade during the Spanish Civil War. The lyrics are filled with references to the conflict, which was fought from 1936 to 1939, and the chorus 'Ay, Carmela' serves as a poignant refrain that underscores the emotional weight of the fight against fascism.
The song celebrates the victories and the fighting spirit of the Republican forces, specifically mentioning their battle against 'moros' (Moors), mercenaries, and fascists. The 'ejército del Ebro' refers to the Republican army that fought in the Battle of the Ebro, one of the war's longest and bloodiest battles. The crossing of the Ebro River was a significant military maneuver, and the song commemorates this event with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
The absence of 'días lunes' and 'días martes' (Mondays and Tuesdays) metaphorically represents the relentless nature of the conflict, where the soldiers had no respite from the fighting. The mention of 'tanques y granadas' (tanks and grenades) further emphasizes the harsh realities of war. Rolando Alárcon's rendition of this song captures the essence of the Republican fighters' determination and the collective memory of their struggle for democracy and freedom against the forces of oppression.
