Merengue

Merengue is a type of fast syncopated music and dance from the Dominican Republic. It is popular all over Latin America. Its name is Spanish, taken from the meringue, a dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar. It is unclear as to why this became the name of the music. Perhaps, it can trace its meaning from the movement on the dance floor that could remind one of an egg beater in action. It features vocals in Spanish, accordion (which hails from Germany and Italy), the guiro (a scraper dating back to the Arawak Indians, who first populated the island of Hispaniola), and African percussion, especially tambora and conga. More recently, Merengue artists have added saxophone and electric instruments to the mix. The style continues to mutate and spread through places like Haiti, Venezuela, and New York City.