castañetas

Castañetas are a pair of small percussion instruments used to produce a rapid clicking sound in Spanish and flamenco music. They are commonly referred to as castanets in English and castañuelas in standard Spanish; castañetas is a regional or informal variant used in some dialects.

Construction and technique: A castañeta consists of two hollow shells that are joined, allowing them to snap together. The shells are usually made of wood, though plastic and other materials are also used. They are worn on the hands—one shell on each hand or held in the grip of the fingers—with a cord or strap helping to keep them in place. The performer snaps the shells together by moving the fingers and thumb, creating a sharp, rhythmic click that can be timed to the music.

Musical context: Castañetas are a staple in traditional Spanish music and dance, most famously associated with flamenco. They are used to reinforce rhythm, accent patterns, and footwork, often in ensemble settings with guitar, singing, and other percussion. They also appear in regional folk dances and stage performances such as zarzuela.

Variations and terminology: While castañetas is a common term for the instrument, many sources distinguish castanets (castañuelas) as the standard form, with castañetas serving as a regional or diminutive variant. Variants include different sizes, materials, and finishes to produce a range of tones.