The initation period

One of the strongest tuna traditions is the apprenticeship period, which enables any would-be tuno to acquire theexperience and maturity necessary to survive such a picturesque lifestyle.

This custom goes back to the earliest days of tuna groups, with young students being tutored by veteran members in all the secrets of student life. This initiation, during which the would-be tuno is usually called a novato ("novice" or "newbie") or aprendiz ("apprentice"), usually last's one year, depending on how fast learner he is. Once completed, he will have acquired sufficient musical and social skill to become a full-fledged tuno in his own right.

The initiation rites include:
- An access test: An essential requirement for any student to be admitted as an apprentice and accepted as a provisional member of the tuna group.
- Viaje de Novatos (newbies' trip), during which he is expected to give a practical demonstration of his newly acquired skills.
- "Finals": One of the most important moments in the life of any tuno, when he is inducted as a full member of his tuna, with the same rights as any veteran.