VILLANCICOS

n. Christmas carol, song or poem celebrating the holiday of Christmas

A genre of Spanish song, dating from the 15th century. It is a poetic and musical form and was sung with or without accompanying instruments. Originally a folk song, frequently with a devotional song or love poem as text, it developed into an art music genre. The Villancico of the 17th century has a sacred text, often for Christmas. In the 18th century this form expanded into a dramatic cantata with arias and choruses. In the 20th century the use of the term is restricted to the Spanish Christmas carol. Although not real flamenco, it would not be unusual to see this song form on a flamenco recording.

= Christmas carol, carol.
Ex: This article explores the problems of Christmas carol historiography.
Ex: The anthology for children 'Candy Floss' collects poems, ballads and carols.