10 TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS OF AGUASCALIENTES (MEXICO) - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

One of the most outstanding traditions and customs of Aguascalientes is the San Marcos fair. This fair takes place from mid-April to May in the gardens of San Marcos.

Other traditions of Aguascalientes are bullfights that, despite being morally questionable in recent times, have been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

With regard to handicrafts, in Aguascalientes manual works such as hats, cowboy suits, wood carving, onyx decorations, ceramic and clay pieces, among others, are carried out.

In reference to religious traditions, the most relevant are the Fair of the Assumption (in honor of the invocation of the Virgin Mary) and the fair of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

The gastronomy of the region is very sophisticated and shows the influence of Spanish and Aboriginal cuisine. The most prominent dishes are the bricks, the pozole, the tacos, the tamales and the San Marcos chicken.

Traditions and customs of Aguascalientes

1- Gastronomy

The gastronomy of Aguascalientes is strongly influenced by Spanish cuisine and by indigenous traditions.

The dishes of Aguascalientes are part of the cultural identity of Mexico, such as tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, guacamole, gorditas, among others. One of the most recognized dishes is the chili from Aguascalientes.

In this region, livestock farming is practiced. For this reason, many of the dishes in Aguascalientes include beef, lamb, and pork.

The pozole, the loin barbecue, the menudo, the lechón (which is a young pork baked and seasoned with pineapple, apple and olives), the roast lamb (leg of lamb stuffed with rice and spices), the Cueritos tostadas are recognized. pork in vinegar (fried and crispy pork skin) and roasted goat.

Aguascalientes sweets are characterized by the crystallization of fruits and vegetables with brown or white sugar molasses.

Desserts include candied fruits and nuts, coconut candies, churros (sweet fried wheat dough), amaranth and pumpkin candies, fritters and puddings. Other desserts in the area are:

• The bricks, which are sweet pancakes made with wheat flour, butter and sugar.
• The condoches, which are cornbreads.

Among the most outstanding beverages are chia seed water, hibiscus flower water, horchata and café de olla.

Similarly, Aguascalientes is known for the production of alcoholic beverages, especially table wines, brandy, brandy, and fermented fruit drinks. Pulque, mead and calanche are examples of traditional drinks from this state.

2- San Marcos National Fair

The San Marcos fair takes place every year from mid-April to May, and lasts 23 days. This fair takes place in the gardens of San Marcos.

During these 23 days, hundreds of celebrations are held. Among these, the spring parade stands out, which is a procession in which more than 90,000 people in colorful costumes take part.

In addition to this, concerts are held in which national and international artists participate. Other activities that can be developed during the San Marcos fair are rodeos, cockfights, bullfights, betting, among others.

In addition, amusement parks and gastronomic fairs with typical dishes from Aguascalientes and Mexico are installed.

Some of the dishes that can be found in this fair are tacos, tamales, enchiladas, molletes, mole, gorditas, buñuelos, churros, among others.

3- Fair of the Dead

The Fair of the Dead takes place between October 31 and November 2. However, in some areas it lasts for a full week. During this period, skeletons and skulls made of sugar, pumpkin candies, pan de muerto, and egg salad are common.

The general atmosphere is one of joy and celebration, as a way of counteracting the pain caused by death and mourning.

In Aguascalientes, clay skulls are made and the names of deceased relatives and friends are written on them.

On the last day of the Fair of the Dead, the celebration is transferred to local cemeteries and food is brought to share with the deceased.

4- The fair of the Assumption

The Asunción fair is held in August. The center of the celebration is the exhibition of products from the region: peaches, grapes, guavas, wines and sweets made with crystallized fruits.

5- The Lord of Encino fair

This fair takes place between November 4 and 14. Its purpose is to worship the black Christ that is preserved in the Temple of the Lord of Encino.

6- Regional corn fair

The corn fair is held between January 5 and 8. During these days, the agrarian reform of January 6, 1915 is commemorated. The celebration includes donkey races and exhibitions of agricultural products.

7- Santiago Apóstol Fair

The Santiago Apóstol Fair is held on July 25 of each year. During this day, the fight between Moors and Christians is remembered, while the victory of the latter is celebrated.

In addition to the dramatizations, there are bullfights and cockfights. The traditional dance of this fair is the dance of the Chicahuales.

8- Fair of the Virgin of Guadalupe

This fair takes place between December 4 and 12. Celebrations include fireworks displays, indigenous dances, and food fairs.

9- Regional agriculture fair

The regional agriculture fair takes place on the third Sunday in January. During this fair, livestock, agricultural products and handicrafts are exhibited. In addition to this, cockfights, bullfights and traditional dances take place.

10- Fair of the Lord of Tepozán

The Señor de Tepozán fair is held during the last week of May. This festival is held in honor of the saint who gives its name to the city of Aguascalientes: Tepezalá.

References

1. Traditions. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from aguascalientes.gob.mx
2. Aguascalientes. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from history.com
3. State of Aguascalientes. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from visitmexico.com
4. The San Marcos Fair in Aguascalientes. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from mexiconewsnetwork.com
5. April in Aguascalientes. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from mexconnect.com
6. Aguascalientes today. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from vivaaguascalientes.com
7. Celebrating Latino Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Cultural Traditions. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from books.google.com