The costume
The tuno costume is probably one of the most characteristic and authentic parts of the whole tradition. The striking black costume has hardly changed at all over the centuries, and is very similar to the clothes worn by the original students at Spain's first universities.
The pájaro (bird), grillo (cricket) or cuervo (crow)-all names used for the costume nowadays, consists of a jubón (doublet), beca (coloured ribbon worn over the chest and shoulder), shirt, stockings, bombachos (baggy breeches), and shoes or boots.

The beca used to indicate that the wearer was the holder of a fellowship (still called a beca in Spanish), which provided a grant to cover at least part of his study expenses. The colours of the beca and the coat of arms embroidered on it identify the university and school or faculty that the tuno belongs to. The beca is given to the tuno by his companions when they consider that he has enough experience, and is fit to represent his tuna group and, by extension, his university.

Another characteristic garment is the long cape, which is clasped around the neck and flows open in front. Besides being traditional, this cape also serves to keep out the cold whenever the tuna is on serenading-suitor duty. The cape also provides a suitable surface for sowing the coats of arms of all the towns and countries that the tuno has visited on his travels, as web as multicoloured ribbons with affectionate dedications from won-over women-or even Mum. Like the tuna song goes, "cada cinta que adorna su capa guarda un trocito de corazón" (every ribbon that adorns his cape holds a piece of somebody's heart).