The Dance of the "Era"

This traditional dance takes place each evening during fiestas at 21.00 in the main square of the Plaza del Castillo in the center of Pamplona. It is danced to the tune of "la Era"

This is a very popular and traditional event which attracts a large crowd and it can be fun for all those who wish to take part. The dancers welcome anyone and everyone as the dance is simple and it is just a question of copying what you see the other dancers doing. Better to go in pairs as the dance in itself is made for pairs. There is no limit to the number of dancers taking part. The dancers dance around the kiosk or bandstand located in the main square and the music comes from the flute players who play the different melodies.

The dance of the" Era" is made up of six distinct elements, each one with its own music melody and with its own steps that include choreography made up of the "la cadena", la "jota vieja", vals, fandango, boleras and the la corrida. When the first notes are struck up by the flute players, one of the pairs of dancers offers a scarf to the other pair, and as the scarves are held in a "chain", all the dantzaris or dancers begin to spin round and round. The couple directing the dance then stop and lift the scarf over their heads and the rest of the dancers must pass under it.

Once this phase is completed, the la Jota begins-and this is an even livelier dance than the previous one. Then come the el Vals, el Fandango and las Boleras. The dance comes to a close with a Correcalles or general spreading out of all the dancers.

See the video clip. (Source: Gran Enciclopedia Navarra)

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