The Malagueña is a typical folk music from the Venezuelan east. In this genre, the mandolin

Mandolin

A mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family . It descends from the mandore, a soprano member of the lute family. The mandolin soundboard comes in many shapes—but generally round or teardrop-shaped, sometimes with scrolls or other projections. A mandolin may have f-holes, or a single...

 is the main instrument, simultaneously that the cuatro

Cuatro (instrument)

The cuatro is any of several Latin American instruments of the guitar or lute family. The cuatro is smaller than a guitar. Cuatro means four in Spanish, although current instruments may have more than four strings....

 and the guitar

Guitar

The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...

 serve as companions. It is characterized that the malagueña songs, have sad and melancholic melody, in tribute to the Virgen del Valle

Virgen del Valle

As part of the religious tradition of Venezuela, the Virgin of the Valley is considered as the patroness of eastern Venezuela, being venerated with special devotion in Isla Margarita. Every 8 September, many people go to venerate her, in her sanctuary located in the Margarita Valley near Porlamar....

, although also it can express historical events, love feelings, and daily experiences. Traditionally, in the Eastern states like Nueva Esparta

Nueva Esparta

Nueva Esparta State is one of the 23 states of Venezuela. It comprises Margarita Island, Coche, and the largely uninhabited Cubagua.The state is the smallest one in area, and is located off the northeast Caribbean coast of Venezuela. It is the only insular state of Venuezuela...

, Monagas

Monagas

Monagas State is one of the 23 states of Venezuela.Monagas State covers a total surface area of 28,900 km² and, in June 30, 2010, had an estimated population of 908,626....

, and Anzoátegui

Anzoátegui

Anzoátegui State , is one of the 23 component states of Venezuela, located in the northeastern region of the country. Anzoátegui is well known for its beautiful beaches that attract many visitors. Its coast consists of a single beach approximately 100 km long...

, the malagueña accompanies the velorios de cruz de mayo, (religious tradition, that is celebrated on May 3 in honor to the Christian cross).