---
title: "Charanga"
slug: charanga
definition: "Festive brass-and-percussion ensemble, distinct from the gaita band: the charanga is organized around brass, not the Asturian gaita."
synonyms: ["festive charanga"]
publishedAt: 2026-06-17
---
A **charanga** is a festive brass ensemble —trumpets, trombones,
euphoniums, tuba— with percussion, that livens up festivals and open-air
dances with popular, danceable repertoire. It's loud, mobile and built
for the street.

It shouldn't be confused with the **gaita band**. Although both play at
festivals and romerías, the difference runs deep: the charanga is
organized around **brass** and draws on the wind-band and popular
repertoire; the gaita band is organized around the **Asturian gaita** and
the traditional songbook.

Both coexist at Asturian festivals: each covers a different moment and a
different repertoire.