Many Waray traditions can be traced to pre-colonial times. For example, the Kuratsa Dance, or Kuratsa de Mayor is a very popular traditional dance of the Waray-Waray at many social gatherings, especially weddings. It is very common throughout Samar. Initially thought to have originated from the "la cucaracha" (cockroach dance) of Mexico, it was later confirmed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts that the dance was indeed indigenous Waray in origin, not Mexican. The dance depicts a courtship dance which exemplifies the movements of the rooster and the hen, which were prized commodities for the indigenous Waray people. Traditionally, the dance is played together with a "rondalla" or a live string band. The music used for the dance is complex, having a wide variety depending on the wishes of the musicians. In some cases, the "rondalla" also sings while the performers dance to the music.