The habanera genre originates primarily in Havana, where it flourished notably in its seaport and throughout its coastal area. It is considered a musical genre of sailors’ or fishermen’s songs due to its abundant themes related to love and its connection to the sea. Habaneras originate from the Contradanzas or Danza Criolla.

Throughout the 19th century in Cuba, it was the voices of humble seafarers who carried the melodies and sad poetry of the flag in their small, fragile fishing boats and on ships laden with merchandise to Spain and throughout the Americas. On the Peninsula, the Cuban habanera genre directly underlines its Spanish influence, thus spreading to some European countries.

Thanks to the Cuban Habanera, with its melodic lines written in major and minor keys and clear, descriptive texts, we have been able to learn about part of the history, achievements, and romantic frustrations of our ordinary people. It allowed the romanticism of Spanish poetry to penetrate Cuba.

The Habanera was characterized by its melodious lyricism and the cadenced balance of its rhythmic structure. It is written in 3/4 time; it also has an introduction that precedes its two parts, each lasting eight to sixteen bars. Its meter is duple and regular, although it may vary slightly in its first beat.

Over time, this genre gradually became a vocal genre. An example of a sung habanera is the famous “Habanera Tú” by composer Sánchez de Fuentes. His other works include “Linda Cubana,” “Mírame Así,” “Corazon,” “Vivir sin tus caricias,” and “Por tus ojos,” among many other renowned pieces.