- 5 of the most popular typical dances and dances in Sonora
- 1- The dance of the Deer
- 2- Pascola dance
- 3- Dance of Matachines
- 4- Dance of the coyotes
- 5- Sonora Bronco
- References :
Among the most popular typical dances and dances of Sonora are the deer dance, the coyote dance, the Pascola dance or the Matachines dance.
The Yaqui and Mayos Indians of the state of Sonora continue to perform their dances in the same way they did before the arrival of the Spanish.
Their totemic practices, beliefs and customs are ancient. His mythical religious conception had shamanistic practices with beliefs in superior spirits, good and bad. They also honored the spirits and the dead.
The natives fight to maintain the legacy of their ancestors and the local tribes, preserving the ancient dances. Some dances and dances were incorporating religious elements of the Catholic faith.
You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Sonora.
5 of the most popular typical dances and dances in Sonora
1- The dance of the Deer
It represents a spirit of the jungle embodied in the traditional Yaqui de Venado dancer, who imitates the graceful movements of the animal in its state of freedom. Other dancers represent the hunters who stalk him.
The dance is accompanied by the sound of a güiro and a flute. The dancer carries rattles or bells in his hands and tied on his legs he carries tenabaris, which are dried butterfly cocoons that also sound with the movement.
The head of the dancer is decorated with the head of a deer, as a crown.
The deer dance has been danced on the shores of the Pacific Ocean since ancient times. The Yaqui Indians honor the deer as the center of their religious culture.
The dance is a symbol of his respect for the resistance of the spirit of the deer, reflected in the fight of the deer against the hunters who pursue it.
2- Pascola dance
It represents the creation of nature, which the Indians adored so much.
It has European influences, marked by the use of violins and harps. Other instruments used are drums and flutes, typical of American cultures.
3- Dance of Matachines
This dance is performed in Lent. It is related to the Jesuit missionaries and their influence on the indigenous population of the region, especially the Yoremes.
During Lent it is common to see Matachines circulating in the streets. Their clothing is characterized by masks that represent animals, bells that ring when they walk while playing the flute.
Currently, they travel thousands of miles while dancing and also ask for money in collaboration.
4- Dance of the coyotes
Emblematic dance practiced in ceremonial centers. The celebration includes a musician who plays the drum and the lyrics of the song have to do with the life of a coyote.
The main accessory of the dancers is a coyote skin that covers their back starting at the head. This skin is adorned with turkey, eagle or buzzard feathers.
5- Sonora Bronco
Mexican dance style originated in the mountains of the Sonora region, a place where cowboys raise cattle as a way of life.
It has similarities to the dances of neighboring states where livestock is also involved.
The dance is distinguished by jumps, kicks, and quick turns, movements that mimic a cowboy handling cattle, horses, and other animals.
The man's suits are similar to the real cowboys of Sonora, with hat and pointed boots.
References:
- Editor (2017) Regional Dances: Sonora. 11/04/2017. Escamilla Entertainment Website: escamillaentertainment.com
- Editor (2016) The dance of the matachines. 11/04/2017. Viva voz Web site vivavoz.com.mx.
- Alejandro Franco (2006) The Yaqui deer dance. 11/04/2017. Omeyocan Dance Company Website aztecfiredance.com.
- Editor (2017) Culture of Sonora. 11/04/2017. Exploring Mexico Website explorandomexico.com.