Gaita is medieval music and is one of the most important and popular form of traditional Venezuela Music which is played in all the important festivals and celebrations of the country. Gaita actually originated in the State of Zulia of Venezuela, but slowly spread to the rest of the country. Gaita is especially played during
Christmas in Venezuela.
Gaita Forms
It is important to note here that there are two basic forms of Gaita. Gaita Margariteña is one of the important Gaita variation, which originated in Galicia, Spain. And the other form of Gaita is Gaita de furro, which was developed in the port city of Maracaibo of Zulia State. Gaita de furro is completely different from Gaita Margariteña.
Gaita in Venezuela
Gaita is very rhythmic and is played with different types of instruments. Gaita in Venezuela is played with guitars, harps and maracas. Percussion bagpipes and shawms are also used sometimes to play this musical form. In the medieval period, Gaita was performed on social occasions and events and its instruments differed for every occasion.
Thus, it can be concluded that Gaita forms an important and inseparable part of celebrations in Venezuela and more so with reference to Christmas.
