A heated debate has erupted on social media X over a video of a Bolivian artist dancing the Chacarera. The video is accompanied by the message: 'Even if they cry, the Chacarera is 100% national pride,' with a Bolivian flag.
The video clip is 47 seconds long. User @VeronicaCu74696 expressed her disapproval, stating: 'The Chacarera is an Argentine dance, born in Santiago del Estero, part of our identity and our roots.'
The reactions to the post sparked a cultural debate about the origin of the Chacarera on X, leading to widespread condemnation on social media over attempts by other countries to appropriate the traditional dance from Santiago del Estero, as the user pointed out, and the backlash was not long in coming.
What were the comments on X about the video of the Bolivian artist dancing the Chacarera?
Some of the most highlighted comments on X regarding the origin and ownership of the Chacarera were:
'But Argentina has the Córdoba Quartet, which is identical to the Dominican Merengue, and nobody has died over it.' 'The Chacarera is danced in several countries, they only care when another country showcases it. Culture is transmitted by listening, informing, and knowing what you're talking about.' 'The Chacarera comes from the Chaco cojuda, Chaco, a region in Southern Bolivia and Northern Argentina.' 'She says "Bolivian Chacarera"... and in the background, "La Chacarera del Violín" by Los Hermanos Simón is playing, which is more Santiagueño than a siesta in 45 degrees.'
In an endless thread on X, the comments also devolved into 'accusations' about culinary origins and even the history of countries.
From there, numerous responses and thousands of views emerged.
The user did not stop at her comment and continued to argue her point by listing:
Chacarera Zamba Gato Escondido Malambo Pericón Nacional Triunfo
'They are considered part of the Argentine national folklore because they were born here and spread from our provinces to the rest of the country.'
The video that originated the controversy over the Chacarera.
In this context, user @mabscorp gave their opinion by writing: 'History says the Chacarera originated as a variant of the Zamacueca, so under that concept, if anyone could complain about cultural appropriation, it would be a Peruvian, not a random Argentine,' in an attempt to close the discussion that continues to generate buzz on social media.
There is also debate over a video circulating on X and TikTok showing a Bolivian artist in her country's colors performing the Chacarera on stage.
'That other countries try to appropriate it is a lack of respect for our culture and our history.'
Social media is on fire.
