Merengue is a characteristically Dominican form of music and dance.
Emerging in the 1800s, it combines African and Spanish influences in a fast-paced, joyous brew.
Merengue bands usually include an accordion, a barrel drum called a tambora, and a giiiro, or scraper. Merengue has become a popular form of dance music among Latinos in many countries.
Merengue lyrics are usually light and humorous, befitting the name, which comes from the French meringue, the sweet, airy topping on a lemon meringue pie.
