gaita

Gaita is the name given to a family of bagpipes used in the Iberian Peninsula and its diaspora, especially in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Portugal. The term also appears in some Latin American contexts to refer to bagpipes. A gaita typically comprises a bag, a chanter for melody, and one or more drones that provide a continuous harmonic background. Air is supplied to the bag either by mouth through a blowpipe or, in some regional varieties, by bellows.

Regional varieties include the gaita gallega of Galicia, the gaita asturiana of Asturias (also found in Cantabria), and the gaita mirandesa of Portugal. While all are bagpipes, they differ in scale, number and tuning of drones, and timbre. The Galician instrument is often described as bright and penetrating, whereas the Portuguese and Cantabrian forms may have a deeper sound.

Playing context: In traditional settings, gaitas are played in solo performances and in small ensembles, accompanying dances such as the muñeira in Galicia or other regional dances. The instrument is a symbol of regional identity and folklore; in modern times, gaita performance appears in fusion and folk-rock groups as well as in festivals and cultural events.

History: Bagpipes have medieval origins across Europe. In the Iberian Peninsula, the gaita belongs to a long line of wind instruments used in rural and ceremonial contexts. The modern revival in the 20th century helped standardize instrument-making and repertoire, leading to organized folk ensembles and academic study.