The word "chiringuito", deeply rooted in Spanish culture, has its origins in Cuba. It is associated with small bars by the sea, but its history dates back to the 19th century, amidst coffee plantations and sugar cane on the Caribbean island.
The story of the "chiringuito" begins on those Cuban plantations, where workers used to enjoy a coffee during their breaks. They would use a fabric cone as a filter, pouring hot water over the ground coffee.
The black nectar flowed in a fine stream known as "chiringo," which is why the coffee prepared in this manner was called "chiringuito".
The word traveled to Spain thanks to emigrants who had worked in Cuba and who brought with them not only memories but also expressions and customs.
In 1913, in the coastal town of Sitges, in the province of Barcelona, the journalist from Madrid César González Ruano decided to name a small beach bar where he often wrote "Chiringuito."
"The Chiringuito" in Sitges became a meeting point for locals and visitors, and the term began to spread to Spanish towns along the Mediterranean coast.
In 1983, the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) included the word in its dictionary with two meanings: "kiosk or outdoor beverage stand" and "small stream." Thus, the dual significance connecting Spanish beaches with Cuban traditions was officially recorded.
The first beach bar in Spain is still standing, with its white and blue facade, serving seafood, cold drinks, cocktails, and coffee.
The term chiringuito has also inspired variations in other countries. In Mexico, for example, there is the "changarrito," a small mobile sales booth, while in the Canary Islands, "chiringo" is still used to refer to a small stream of liquid.
The next time you enjoy a cold beer at a beach bar, feel the breeze on your face and fondly remember how far and how close you are to the Caribbean island.
Frequently asked questions about the origin and use of the word "chiringuito"
What is the origin of the word "chiringuito"?
The word "chiringuito" originates from Cuba, where coffee plantation workers used a cloth cone to filter the coffee, and the result was known as "chiringo". The term was brought to Spain by emigrants who had worked in Cuba.
How did the term "chiringuito" arrive in Spain?
The term "chiringuito" arrived in Spain through emigrants who had worked in Cuba. In 1913, César González Ruano named a small beach bar in Sitges with this name, popularizing it in the Levant and Andalusia.
What meanings does the word "chiringuito" currently have according to the RAE?
In 1983, the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) included the word "chiringuito" in its dictionary with two meanings: "kiosk or outdoor drink stand" and "small stream", reflecting the connection between Spanish beaches and Cuban traditions.
Are there variations of the term "chiringuito" in other countries?
In Mexico, there is a variant called "changarrito", a small mobile sales stand. In the Canary Islands, "chiringo" is used to refer to a small stream of liquid.
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