A maraca is a musical instrument you shake to make a rattling, swishing sound. It consists of a hollow container (often shaped like an egg or ball) filled with small objects like beads, seeds, or pebbles, attached to a handle. When you shake it, the objects inside bounce around and create rhythm.

Maracas originated in Latin America and the Caribbean, where indigenous peoples made them from dried gourds filled with seeds. Today, musicians use maracas in many styles of music, from traditional Latin songs to modern pop. They're popular partly because they're so easy to play: anyone can pick up a maraca and start making music by shaking it in time with a song.

Usually maracas come in pairs, one for each hand. A skilled player can create complex rhythms by shaking them at different speeds or angles, making some shakes loud and sharp while others stay soft and gentle. You might see maracas in a school music class, at a festive celebration, or in a professional band.