Written by Jewish American artist, Flory Jagoda in Ladino (Judaeo-Spanish), “Ocho Kandelikas” (2:15) (Eight Little Candles) is a Hannukah song describing the excitement of celebrating the holiday with candle lighting, special food and parties. Although it sounds like a traditional Spanish folk song, it was actually written in 1983. The Ladino and English lyrics can be seen below.
Ocho Kandelikas
Hanukah linda sta aki, ocho kandelas para mi, O…
Una kandelika, dos kandelikas, tres kandelikas,
kuatro kandelikas, sintyu kandelikas,
sej kandelikas, siete kandelikas, ocho kandelas para mi.
Muchas fiestas vo fazer, kon alegria i plazer,
Muchas fiestas vo fazer, kon alegria i plazer, O…
Una kandelika, dos kandelikas, tres kandelikas,
kuatro kandelikas, sintyu kandelikas,
sej kandelikas, siete kandelikas, ocho kandelas para mi.
Los pastelikos vo kumer, kon almendrikas i la myel,
Los pastelikos vo kumer, kon almendrikas i la myel. O…
Una kandelika, dos kandelikas, tres kandelikas,
kuatro kandelikas, sintyu kandelikas,
sej kandelikas, siete kandelikas, ocho kandelas para mi.
Eight Little Candles
It’s here, beautiful Hanukkah; eight little candles for me, oh…
One little candle, two little candles, three little candles,
Four little candles, five little candles,
Six little candles, seven little candles, eight little candles for me.
I’ll throw plenty of parties, full of joy and pleasure,
I’ll throw plenty of parties, full of joy and pleasure, oh…
One little candle, two little candles, three little candles,
Four little candles, five little candles,
Six little candles, seven little candles, eight little candles for me.
I’ll eat little pastries, with almonds and honey,
I’ll eat little pastries, with almonds and honey, oh…
One little candle, two little candles, three little candles,
Four little candles, five little candles,
Six little candles, seven little candles, eight little candles for me.