Music of Murcia

Murcia is a region in the South East of Spain with many external influences varying from the ancient Moors that occupied the area for centuries to the adjacent Communities (Andalusia, Castilla–La Mancha, etc.). Its music is determined by the heavy use of string instruments as the bandurria or the Spanish guitar and percussion instruments like the castanets ("castañuelas" or "postizas") and the tambourine. Murcian music is most notably represented by the religious songs performed by the Auroros, which are derived from La Mancha and Andalusian folk music. They include a cappella chants, sometimes accompanied by church bells.