Espera senior

Jerusalem National Sound Archives placement: Y 5418/8
Referenced and notated in: Judeo-Spanish Moroccan Songs for the Life Cycle, 1989 Susana Weich-Shahak.

This traditional wedding song from Tetuan reflects the anticipation of the groom as the bride prepares herself. She adorns herself in vibrant colors, bids farewell to her family, and embraces her role in the communal festivity. The song highlights the importance of beauty, grace, and participation in the dance, while those who cannot join are expected to observe in silence.

Text:
Y espera, señor, que me estoy empolando,
poniéndome lo verde y lo colorado.

Espera, señor, veré a mi madre,
veré a mis hermanitos, también mi padre.

Translation:
And wait, sir, for I am powdering myself,
putting on the green and the red.

Wait, sir, I will see my mother,
I will see my little brothers, also my father.