ABSTRACT
The Jota of Aragon is certainly the lyrical outlet of its region, expressing its very atmosphere. The dancers are accompanied by their own unique musicians, playing stringed instruments which emphasize the melodies of the loudly chanted coplas. An important deviation from the Jota Aragonesa is the Jota Valenciana, with its own particular regional configurations, accompanied by a rustic oboe called the "dul-zaina" and a small tamboril, or drum. Spanish dances do not usually celebrate the rite of passage from childhood to adolescence. However, such a ritual has been performed as a public celebration in Burgos, and is called "Los Santos Inocentes", or " The Holy Innocents". The next portion of the dance matches the Aragonese Jota in its vigorous and competitive spirit. The "Pandeiro" is another musical instrument of the region. It is ornamented by colored tassels placed on the four corners, and its rhythm, together with a chorus of voices, provides accompaniment for a tempestuous dance.
