crónica

Crónica is a term in Spanish that denotes a chronicle: a narrative record of events in their order of occurrence. The word comes from Latin chronica, via French chronique, and its use spans historical writing as well as modern journalism and literature. In broad terms, crónica can refer to both a historical account and a narrative piece that conveys events with context and meaning.

In historiography, a crónica is an organized account of events over a period, often compiled by an observer such as a monk, official, or chronicler. Medieval chronicles describe kingdoms, cities, or religious communities, and may mix factual data with commentary, moral reflections, or legend. They function as primary sources that illuminate how contemporaries understood time, power, and society, even as later historians evaluate their reliability and bias.

In journalism and literary nonfiction, crónica designates a genre that blends reportage with literary techniques. Crónica journalism tends to emphasize scene, atmosphere, and character, drawing on field reporting, interviews, and immersion in places or communities. It often covers crime, culture, daily life, or social issues, aiming to convey not only what happened but how it affected people and why it matters.

Today the term is used in various contexts and is also the title or label of several newspapers and magazines in the Spanish-speaking world. See also chronicle and chronology for related concepts.