Punto is a Cuban vocal tradition from the days of Spanish colonialism comprised of poetry and music sung by Cuban farmers, consisting of a tune or melody over which a ten-line stanza is sung, with a rhyming scheme. Historically, punto was practiced in the countryside, but variants of the element now exist throughout the rest of the country.
In a song (a solo or duet), the 'punto' is verbal improvisation. Its origins are from the Andalusian and Canary Islands, and African elements were integrated into it in Cuba. The genre became popular in the western and central regions of Cuba in the 17th century. It arrived in Canarias in the 18th century but gained more relevance during the 20th century when Canarians migrated heavily to Cuba.
There are two main variants: Punto libre: a tune with free meter, and fixed-point: which can be in key or crossed. Punto is an important element of Cuban intangible cultural heritage, as it promotes dialogue and expresses the feelings and values of the community involved.
The work of the practitioners and bearers has been assigned an occupational category, which has turned this into a way of life for many. Various types of guitar are used in punto music: Spanish guitar, Cuban tres, lute, and tiple. It is used with a pick, rather than strumming, such as rasgueado. There are also three different percussion instruments: the clave, the güiro, and the guayo (a metal scraper). Teams of singers improvise their lines in unvarying melodies, with intervals between stanzas to allow preparation for the next one.
Many early songs were published in print, as were the names of some of the singers. In 1935, the punto reached a peak of popularity on Cuban radio, but it didn't have any recording, so as it happened, a stenographer, Aida Bode, transcribed the verses as they were broadcast. Finally, her transcriptions were published in 1997.
Punto can be handed down from one generation to the next through imitation. A teaching program is also organized by the Houses of Culture across the country, as it involves workshops taught by bearers and practitioners of the element. Seminars, workshops, contests, festivals, and events dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of Punto are currently being organized all around the country.