The decima espinela was brought to Puerto Rico by Spanish settlers, where it took root among subsistence farmers living in the mountainous interior of the Island. This lyrically inventive art form remains a lively and vital part of Puerto Rico's cultural landscape today.

THE COMPETITION
The centerpiece of the Troubadour Festival is a thrilling competition where singers, young and old, vie for first place honors.

The last line of verse (pie forzado) is selected at random, and becomes the theme around which singers improvise stanzas, observing always the rules of the form, and ending always on that same line of verse.

The suspense mounts as contestants advance to the final rounds, playfully interweaving friendly jibes and taunts aimed at their competitors into their improvised lines. In the end, only two remain for the climactic crowd-pleasing final round.

THE TROVA
COLLECTION
The Trova CDs can be purchased by contacting:
Trova, Inc.
Comunidad
Gˆ°ndaras # 2
Buzˆ„n 90-A, Cidra, Puerto Rico 00739
(787)739-7945

The CDs are $15 each, postage and handling included.