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

The traditions and customs of Guerrero are proof of the cultural diversity of the region. In this area, aboriginal cultures such as the Mixtecs, the Tlapanecos, the Nahuas and the Amuzgos converge.

In the same way, there are present groups of mestizos descendants of Spaniards and Africans. Each of these groups contributes distinctive elements that make Guerrero a region rich in traditions.

Among the traditions of this region, dances stand out. Some of these are the dance of the tlacoloteros, the dance of the devils, the dance of the buzzards, the dance of the tecuano, the dance of the gachupines, the dance of the seven vices, the dance of the Palomo Guerrero, the dance of the badgers, the corn dance and the fish dance.

On the other hand, the region is known for its pottery. Many artisans from Guerrero make clay pots, vases and plates, which represent a true work of art.

Main traditions and customs of Guerrero

1- Gastronomy

The gastronomy of Guerrero is very varied. This is largely due to the presence of various indigenous groups (Mixtecos, Tlapanecos, Nahuas, Amuzgos) and of Hispanic and Afro-descendant mestizo groups.

In the same way, the fact that the state has coastal areas and mountainous areas makes the gastronomy vary from one city to another.

In the coastal area of ​​Guerrero, many of the dishes include marine products: fish, shellfish, seaweed, among others. On the other hand, in the high areas of the state, products such as pork and goat meat are used.

Some of the typical dishes of the region are:

• Fish head broth (coastal area). It is a soup prepared only with the heads of some fish. It is seasoned with coriander and onions.
• Morisqueta (coastal area). It is a dish based on rice and black beans.
• Plum chili (highlands). This dish is prepared with pork, which is stuffed with fresh plums and green chilies.
• Fill (highlands). It is a small pig, which is stuffed with pineapple slices, olives, potatoes, carrots and bananas. The stuffed pork is baked for about 12 hours and then served with tortillas and rice.
• Chapulines. Dish that is prepared with seasoned grasshoppers.
• Clubbed. Fried pork in coriander, cumin and garlic broth.

Some of the most recognized sweets in this state are:

• Alegría, which is prepared with toasted amaranth seeds and sugar.
• Peanut crowbar, which is made with peanuts, roasted corn, and brown sugar.
• Gollería, prepared with milk, vanilla, beaten egg whites, cinnamon and sugar.

The most representative drink of the state is the tuba. This is prepared with fermented juice of palm, pineapple, lemon and chili.

2- Easter

Because Mexico is a Catholic nation, in many areas of the country celebrations for Holy Week are held. The celebration of Holy Week in the city of Taxco in the state of Guerrero is outstanding.

In Taxco, the Holy Week processions include dramatizations that revive the passion of Christ. In addition to this, brotherhoods made up of people who flagellate themselves are organized to commemorate the suffering of Jesus before his death.

3- The burning of the bad guy

On September 29, the bad guy was burned in Guerrero. The bad guy is a doll made of dried flowers, straw, and other materials.

After the spirit has been burned, the houses are adorned with fresh flower crosses. These crosses are considered to protect homes from evil spirits.

4- Pottery

One of the most outstanding artistic traditions of Guerrero is pottery. Local artisans mix clay with cotton fabrics to produce vases, pots, pots, sculptures, among others. These creations are decorated with paint, stones, among others.

In some areas, aboriginal techniques are preserved in the development of pottery, which gives cultural value to the creations.

5- Music

Due to the different ethnicities and cultures present in the state of Guerrero, music varies from one region to another.

However, there are some rhythms that are typical in many parts of the state, such as the calena and the son.

Guerrero has also been the cradle of great singers and composers. These include Margarito Damián Vargas, who composed more than 200 songs (Ondas del Pacífico, Adiós Acapulco, among others).

Other musicians from Guerrero are Antonio Delgado, Aurelio Galindo, Juan Bartola Tavira, José Agustín Ramírez Altamirano and Joan Sebastian.

6- The Dance of the Tlacoloteros

This dance is originally from the central region of Guerrero. It is practiced in Taxco, Chilpancingo, Iguala and Atlixtac.

This dance represents a fight between evil spirits and the tlacoloteros, who are the owners of the corn fields. In general terms, the dance develops as follows: the tlacoloteros persecute the spirits and expel them from the corn fields.

Evil spirits are represented by naguals, which means tigers. The dance consists of 15 dancers.

7- The Dance of the Devils

This dance represents the fight between good and evil. It has educational purposes, as it teaches viewers what is correct and what is not.

The dance of the devils is a fusion of Mexican aboriginal cultures and African cultures. It is typical of the Costa Chica region of Guerrero.

8- Dance of the Tecuano

The Tecuano dance is practiced mainly in Tuxpan, Ciudad Altamirano and Huitzuci. This dance represents how a group of men hunt a tiger.

9- Papaquis

In Tixtla, Guerrero, the “papaquis” is sung instead of “Las mañanitas” during birthdays.

10- Weddings in Costa Grande

In Costa Grande (one of the regions of Guerrero), weddings present an element that differentiate them from weddings in other areas. Instead of the bride and groom offering a free banquet for the guests, the guests must pay for what they eat.

References

1. Warrior. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from wikipedia.org.
2. Warrior culture. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from explorandomexico.com.
3. Holidays and Traditions in Guerrero. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from guerrero.travel.
4. The State of Guerrero is Full of Rich History, Culture and Ethnic Diversity. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from imagine-mexico.com.
5. Traditional Foods of Guerrero. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from backyardnature.net.
6. Warrior. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from history.com.