This song was written in 1913 by Daniel Alomía Robles and based on tradtional Andean music, specifically folk music from Peru. It has been covered and remade countless times even by Simon and Garfunkel!

The original Quechua texts describe the beauty of the Andean landscape and the spirituality of the people.

The translation of the title reads ‘The condor passes’. In the Andes, the condor is a majestic bird that symbolises freedom, power and spirituality. Actually, the song interprets the hopes, dreams and struggles of the Andean people. The music reminds us of the longing for freedom and the eternal bond between man and nature.

As ‘El Cóndor Pasa’ has become popular, the song has managed to bridge the gap between generations, contributing to the appreciation and preservation of Peruvian music. It typifies the essence of traditional music from the Andes.

The song is really special to Peruvians as it is catchy and folkloric. It uses our local instrument, the pan flute and typical melodies that made their way from the Andes to the big cities. This song brought our culture across continents including places like Hollywood and Europe. I remember vividly listening to it on the streets of Lima by street performers and of course here in the Netherlands, playing it on CD when on long car rides.

For me, it always brings that nostalgic and warm Latino spirit to the cold dark winters of the Netherlands. This feeling is something that I want to share with others.

My name is Leonardo Chávez Sáenz. I studied Creative Technology at the University of Twente. I recently had the pleasure of being in Vienna to work on a design research project where we investigated how migrants can be supported in their current countries of residence through the use of artificial intelligence. In my free time, I enjoy painting.