alegria

Alegría is a Spanish noun meaning joy, happiness, or gladness. It denotes a feeling of pleasure, cheerfulness, or emotional well-being. The word comes from the verb alegrar, to gladden, and so designates the quality or state of being alegre.

In everyday usage, alegría appears in expressions such as “con alegría” and in various artistic and cultural contexts, where it signals a positive mood or emotional uplift. As a cultural term, it is used across music, literature, and religious or festive settings to evoke cheerfulness or celebration.

In flamenco, alegrías is a traditional song and dance form associated with Cádiz and the Andalusian tradition. It is performed as cante (singing), toque (guitar), and baile (dance) and is known for its lively mood, bright rhythm, and celebratory character. The form is distinguished by its energetic tempo and expressive melodies, reflecting the coastal heritage of its origin.

Alegría is also the title of a Cirque du Soleil stage production that premiered in 1994. The name means “joy” in Spanish. The show combines acrobatics, music, and theatrical storytelling, presenting themes of renewal and resilience. It has toured extensively and remains one of Cirque du Soleil’s enduring productions, with a score composed by René Dupéré.