History of the tunas 

The tuna tradition goes back hundreds of years, when the first universities were founded in Spain. Here young students who had to find creative ways to cover their expenses, began to group together and play traditional music for money. This phenomenon spread throughout the universities of Spain, and later was swept to neighbouring Portugal. In the last century, many other Spanish speaking countries in Latin America have seen the comeback of this Middle Ages student tradition, ranging from Universities in Chile, Peru, and Colombia all the way up to Mexico.

Originally a Castilian custom, nowadays Tunas are a large part of the social life of universities in Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries. We are one of the few tuna groups outside of the Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking world, along with our fellow tunas in Maastricht, Eindhoven, and even Toronto.

Tunas play traditional Spanish, Latin American or Portuguese songs, and they generally form through different faculties (university departments) with each one distinguished by a distinct colour sash that members wear over their costume. Nowadays these tunas provide cheerfulness and entertainment to parties, serenades, festivals and in the streets. They wear historical costumes with typical elements and play a variety of instruments whilst singing.

To be a tuno is a way of life. Even today tunas travel all over the world, visiting cities and other tunas, they do so with hardly any money, trying to earn their living while travelling. So, if you see this joyful band of youth passing by, carrying on 700 years of history, give a minute of your time and join them in their songs. Let their enthusiasm make for you happy memories, color, and overall passion! ¡Viva la tuna!