Santa Fe o cielito chopí
A couples' dance named after a bird: the chopí, a singing blackbird.
What it is
The cielito chopí, known in Argentina as Santa Fe, is a dance for loose couples with its own music. Its name comes from the chopí, a common bird called 'tordo' in Spanish, recognizable by its song. A descendant of the contradanza and the cielito, like the pericón and the quadrille, it was widely danced in the López era and during the Great War, even in the camps. Today folk-dance groups keep it alive.
Did you know…?
During the Great War, dances were organized in the camps to keep spirits up; the chopí was among the most popular.
Listen to
Ask to watch a folk-dance show at a festival or cultural center; the chopí is often on the program.
Music & dance
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.