Tuna festival Eindhoven

The Tuna tradition originates in Spain, where mediaeval students would travel from master to master to get an education. They would basically sing for their supper whenever they could. Sometimes the travelling student minstrels would spy a beautiful lady and serenade her.

Tunas traditionally wear black clothes and black cape, with a 'beca' or sash to show full membership of their organisation. Their suits are decorated with various medals and emblems. The black also dates back to the middle ages, when students would look for the cheapest place to stay, which was often a monastery where sober clothing was appreciated.

TU Eindhoven has a strong Tuna tradition. It started in 1964 with fresher corps members being told by older students to learn a Spanish folk song and serenade Mrs Philips. This was such a success that a serious Tuna chapter was set-up, the 'Tuna Ciudad de Luz', or city of light Tuna. Since then members have taken part in international exchange and festivals.
Aspiring Tunas and Tuniñas spend their first year proving themselves. Some ragging goes on, but nothing more serious than freshmen being told to get older members drinks. New members are provided with free instruments and given free music and Spanish lessons. The instruments played are various kinds of guitars and lutes, accordions, flutes and percussion instruments such as the pandereta, a smaller version of the tambourine.

Two organisations are united in Stichting Certamen de Tunas Eindhoven, the foundation organising a four-day Tuna Festival in downtown Eindhoven.
The Tuna festival included a competition between some 34 groups with prizes for best group, best female group, most amusing group, best solo singer, best instrumentalist, best banner-waver etc. Stage performances took place in a big tent on the 'Markt' in downtown Eindhoven, where there wasl also be plenty of Spanish beer, wine, sherry and 'tapas'. The groups took part in a special parade.