What is Payador Day and why is it celebrated

Every July 23 , the Day of the Payador is celebrated in Argentina , Chile and Urugay; a date dedicated to this figure that recalls the musical poetic art belonging to the Hispanic culture that consists of improvising a recitation in rhyme accompanied by a guitar.

The payador recites spontaneous and improvised verses, which are usually accompanied by the chords on his guitar and which usually reflect the reality of the country man and his routine.

The Day of the Payador , has its origin an event that occurred several decades ago. Do you want to know what happened and how the Day of the Payador was born ? Read on and find out below.

Origin of Payador's Day

The Day of the Payador has its origin on July 23, 1884 when the famous payada between Juan de Nava and Gabino Eziza took place in Montevideo, Urugay; Also known as “Negro” Eziza, he was born on February 3, 1858 in Buenos Aires, specifically in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of San Telmo, where he lived during a time when there were a large number of Afro-descendants.

He is remembered for being one of the precursor payadores of this narrated genre and for being one of the most famous in Argentina and Uruguay. His mentor was Afroporteño Pancho Luna; person who taught him everything he had to know to love and perform this type of art.

Payador's Day has been celebrated since 1884, although it was officially declared in 1992 and formally celebrated for the first time on July 23, 1996.