alegría

Alegría is a Spanish noun that denotes the feeling of joy, happiness, or cheer. It can refer to a state of emotional well-being or to expressions of delight in various cultures. In everyday Spanish, it appears in phrases such as "con gran alegría" (with great joy) and "alegría de vivir" (joy of living). The word is formed from the verb "alegrar" (to make happy). The feminine noun normally takes the plural "alegrías" when referring to multiple joys, or when used as the name of a celebration.

In music and dance, "alegría" is also the name of a flamenco palo associated with the Cádiz region. The form is characterized by a bright, festive mood and a distinctive rhythmic pattern within the broader flamenco tradition, often performed with singing, guitar, and dance.

In popular culture, "Alegría" is the title of a Cirque du Soleil show first staged in 1994. The show features a suite of musical pieces composed by René Dupéré and explores themes of memory, aging, and resilience. The title track and the show's imagery have contributed to the word's association with celebration and vitality beyond its original linguistic sense.