Galician Academy Honors Women Singers in Día das Letras Celebration

Galicia Honors Women Singers on Día das Letras Galegas Malpica de Bergantiños, Galicia – The Real Academia Galega (RAG) celebrated the Día das Letras Galegas (Day of Galician Letters) on May 17th, 2025, with a special tribute to the "cantareiras," traditional women singers who have preserved Galician folk music for generations. The event, held in Malpica de Bergantiños—the birthplace of the renowned Pandereteiras de Mens—featured a performance by the popular group Tanxugueiras. The choice to honor these women reflects a growing recognition of their often-overlooked contributions to Galician culture. President of the RAG, Henrique Monteagudo, emphasized the importance of the cantareiras, stating, "In most Galician coplas (traditional songs), women's voices are central, not just as singers, but as creators of the melodies and rhythms themselves." This underscores the significant role women played in shaping Galician musical tradition. The celebration also highlighted the diverse backgrounds of these women, many of whom worked in agriculture or domestic service, demonstrating their dedication to preserving their culture despite challenging circumstances. Academic Ana Boullón further emphasized the significance of the tribute, noting that the cantareiras exemplified "sorority long before the word was even invented." This year's celebration marks a shift in recognizing the contributions of women in Galician literature and culture, promising to continue this important legacy for generations to come.