“The Carmen de Salteras group is another part of the Macarena brotherhood”

Many members of the music group that has accompanied the Macarena for almost half a century finished the concert visibly moved and in tears. Its artistic director is no exception, David Gomez Ramirezwho needed a few minutes to collect himself after his passage near the Virgin before speaking with ABC about what had just happened to the many faithful who were in the temple at that time.

Gómez said the experience of playing in the basilica at such a special moment was “really exciting,” as demonstrated by the musicians’ faces: “It took a few minutes after being in front of the basilica, just a few centimeters away, to collect himself. And it’s all been very exciting. from the start of the day. We met very early at La Barqueta, we did a side announcing this joy, this joy. And from the start we musicians were very excited “so we knew what was going to happen.”

Many people did not know that the Carmen group was going to play in the basilica and were pleasantly surprised when they heard the musicians. arrive at the parade from the Alameda de Hércules to the surroundings of the Arc. Regarding how it was organized, David Gómez admitted that “it was really a surprise, because Board members kept it top secret even for the musicians themselves. We just knew we were coming, but not very far in advance. This all happened because, in some way, I believe that The Carmen group is another part of the brotherhoodof the brotherhood. I remember my father always said when he led the Cigarreras group that a brotherhood is formed at the guiding cross but ends with the last musician, which is the flute or piccolo. In other words, until the death of the last musician, the brotherhood is not over. And it’s true that there are groups and brotherhoods in which this story takes place. With the Macarena, I obviously don’t need to explain what Carmen de Salteras represents for the Virgin. It’s his music, it’s his band.

For all this, the director of the group assured that “we could not miss this moment when he returned home and with his music, that of a lifetime, which we universally associate both with fraternity and with the Virgin of Hope”. Indeed, the repertoire included essential marches and characteristics of the Macarena, but also some details just before entering the basilica: “We had a nod at the end of the orchestra in which we wanted to play the military march of Don Pedro Morales and the orchestra of the 9th Regiment of Soria. Then we played “Suspiros de España”, because it was also a pasodoble that brings back a lot of memories.

After that, with the sounds sneaking into every corner of the Resolana and inside a temple full of devotees, the most purely macareno sounds began and the most moving moments were experienced when those present sang in unison the hymn of the Virgin: “In the Arco we have already started with the Macareno repertoire, with the march ‘Macarena’ by Abel Moreno, with the hymn of the Virgin of Hope, also by Abel. And then with its three speeds, I don’t know what adjective to give it, because it could be up to the task, that’s for sure. These are emblematic steps, essential steps, beautiful steps. The three steps that we all associate with the Virgin“. He was referring to “Esperanza Macarena”, “Pasa la Virgen Macarena” and “Coronación de la Macarena”, by the three Pedros (Morales, Gámez and Braña): “We played them with immediate continuity, without cutting any of them”. The result was long, loud applause for the musicians.

“I found Macarena”

About the result of restoration by Pedro ManzanoDavid Gómez expressed his satisfaction and tranquility when he stood before the Virgin and recognized her as she was: “I don’t want to evade the question, but I really haven’t had time to analyze it in detail and I’m not an expert either. I just think the most sincere answer that comes from my heart is that I met her again. Obviously she’s cleaner, lighter, that’s what it was all about, making her look brighter, with more hope on her face. I looked into her eyes and found the peace of mind of seeing her again.

He feeling of emptiness and the absence that so many Macarenos have experienced these months was also felt personally by the director of Carmen: “This morning was a gift, Reuniting with her was a gift. I am lucky to live very close, here on rue Don Fadrique, which means that from time to time I come, I am very close. All that remained was to enjoy his presence, because we had an empty house. It therefore seemed logical to him that no one wanted to leave the basilica: “For example, those who had the opportunity to listen to music as they passed in front of it had faces that cried profusely. Even those who had so kindly had to wait for the whole gang to pass by were happy to have stayed here longer, near her.

This December 8 is now part of history of the Macarena brotherhood and the Carmen group. For its director, it is “a sum and a continuation, as he says. I remember December 8 of last year, which was Magna and also the first time that I, as director of Carmen, had the opportunity to follow her in a procession. There is December 8, 2024, 2025, and I believe that every December 8 is a very special date.

Despite everything he has experienced in just one year, Gómez is excited about the new surprises and joys that may be on the horizon as a new Lent approaches: “I’d like to think the best is yet to come. And there’s not much left for next year, we have Holy Week very close. As soon as we realize it, Lent is here, and all that remains is to enjoy another glorious morning.