Jota

Jota is the traditional style of music and associated with dance throught the Spain. It has a very distinct, upbeat waltz rhythm. This music is used for energetic and acrobatic types of dances, where several people take part in dance at once. The costumes of the interpreters are vary by region. Jota is often played using a number of instruments, including bandurrias, lutes and even bagpipes. In the Spanish opera "Carmen," the opening to the fourth act, Aragonaise, is written in the jota style of music. In Valencia, the jota was once danced during interment ceremonies.