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

One of the most recognized traditions and customs of Michoacán is the dance of the old men. This is a dance of pre-Hispanic origin that was a way of worshiping the gods of Fire, Time, the Sun, among others.

The Epiphany (January 6) and Candlemas Day (February 2) are other traditions of this state, which are related to each other. On the day of the Epiphany (also called the day of the Magi) a kind of cake called Rosca de Reyes is minced, which hides within itself a doll of the baby Jesus. The person to whom the doll touches must prepare a dinner of tamales for the day of the Candlemas.

Other festivals in this region are Carnival, Holy Week, Independence Day, the Day of the Dead, the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Day of the Innocent Saints.

Main traditions and customs of Michoacán

1- Gastronomy

The gastronomy of the Michoacán region shows a great variety of products thanks to the fact that extensive agricultural and livestock activities are developed in the area. Added to this, the gastronomy shows indigenous elements, such as spices.

The traditional dishes of Michoacán are:

• Carnitas, which are pork steaks cooked in a stew.
• Corundas, which are triangular tamales wrapped in corn husks. These can be filled with cheese, hot peppers, pork, vegetables, and legumes.
• Churipos, which are cuts of meat (pork, beef or chicken) seasoned with spices and cooked in a stew. In general, this stew is accompanied with corundas.
• Uchepos, which are tamales made with corn (sweet corn). Sometimes milk or heavy cream can be added to make the tamale consistency smoother.
• Guacamole The one from Michoacán is made with onions, cilantro, and hot peppers.
• The typical sweets of this area are:
• Goat milk cajeta, which is a container with milk and sugar-based sweets.
• Ate, which is made with fresh fruit and water.
• Capirotada, which is a pudding made of white bread, cheese, tomato, peanuts, raisins, and cacti. This mixture is covered with syrup.

Among the drinks, the charanda (made with fermented agave resin or sugar cane juice) and quince liqueur stand out.

2- Day of the Dead

The day of the dead is celebrated on November 2. However, in some areas the celebrations start from October 31.

During these days, the relatives and friends of the deceased sleep in the cemeteries where the remains rest. The night can be accompanied by songs and the deceased's favorite dishes.

In addition, the tombstones are adorned with lighted candles, flower arrangements, food dishes and typical sweets.

3- Virgin of Guadalupe

December 12 is the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, when the anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac, in the year 1531, is celebrated.

In one of the apparitions, the Virgin asked Diego to go to the bishop of Mexico, tell him about the encounters between the two of them, and ask him to build a church on Tepeyac hill (where Maria had appeared to him).

The bishop asked Diego for proof that would attest to his encounters with the Virgin. Diego returned to Cerro Tepeyac and found a rose bush, which did not grow in those arid lands.

Diego took the roses and carried them wrapped in his ayate (cape). Seeing the flowers, the bishop was convinced of the veracity of what Diego was saying.

In addition, when unwrapping the cape, Diego revealed the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, dark and with indigenous features.

The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico. For this reason, the festivities in her honor are celebrated throughout the territory with dances, parades, masses, among others.

4- Dance of Old People

The dance of the old men is a dance of pre-Hispanic origin that is done in honor of the gods of the aborigines (the god of Fire, Time, the Sun, among others). It is usually done by the Purépechas, who are aboriginals from Pátzcuaro and Michoacán.

The dancers put on corn husk masks. These masks are painted with smiling old faces.

At the beginning of the dance, the movements of the participants evoke old age: they are slow and deliberate. Later, the steps become faster and more agile, as if the "old men" were rejuvenating.

Because it is an aboriginal dance, it has a sacred connotation and constitutes a prayer to the gods: the dancers ask to enjoy good health even in old age.

5- Epiphany

The epiphany, also called Three Kings Day, is celebrated on January 6 throughout the Mexican territory.

During this day the arrival of the three Wise Men to Bethlehem is commemorated, who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Following this tradition, in Michoacán children receive gifts for the epiphany.

In addition to giving presents to the youngest, he eats the rosca de reyes. This thread has a baby Jesus doll inside. The person who finds the baby Jesus in his portion of cake must prepare tamales for the day of Candlemas.

6- Candlemas Day

Candlemas Day is celebrated on February 2 eating tamales.

7- Carnival

Carnival is held on the Monday and Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. In Michoacán, there are attraction fairs, gastronomic fairs, contests, concerts, parades, rodeos, among others.

8- Easter

During this week religious rituals are held to remember the passion of Christ. The Via Crucis and midnight masses are common.

9- Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated on September 16. In Michoacán, parades are held through the main streets of the state.

10- Day of the Holy Innocents

It is celebrated on December 28 to commemorate the mass murder of children ordered by King Herod after the birth of Jesus. On this day, it is common to play pranks on people.

References

1. Michoacán, Mexico: Celebrations and traditions. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from sunofmexico.com.
2. Introduction to Michoacán: The soul of Mexico. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from mexconnect.com.
3. Michoacán - Mexico. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from history.com.
4. Michoacan. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from wikipedia.org.
5. Michoacán: Mexico: Culture. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from sunofmexico.com.
6. Mexico States: Michoacán. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from explorandomexico.com.
7. Traditional Food of Michoacán. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from backyardnature.com.