Maracas are one of the most iconic percussion instruments associated with Latin American music. They consist of two hollow gourds that are joined together and filled with seeds, beads, or small stones, which create a rattling sound when shaken. While the word "maraca" is often used to describe this instrument, there are several other words that can be used interchangeably. Some common synonyms for maracas include shakers, rumba shakers, egg shakers, and güiros. Each of these instruments has a slightly different shape and sound, but they are all played in a similar way and are essential components of many genres of music around the world.