- 5 Main typical dances and dances of Zacatecas
- 1. The Mexicapan dance
- 2. Morelos crews
- 3. Jerez syrups
- 4. The Dance of the Tastuanes
- 5. Dances of Matlachines
- References
The typical dances and dances of Zacatecas, like all its cultural expressions, are the product of European influence as a result of the mining boom in this region, during the times of colonization.
The folklore of Zacatecas in its dance expression recalls the Mexico of yesteryear, especially the mining town in times of economic boom.
Dances and typical dances of Zacatecas
The Zacatecan patronal, religious and civic festivities have among their main attractions the different colorful and cheerful typical dances, autochthonous expressions of the cultural richness of this important Mexican state.
5 Main typical dances and dances of Zacatecas
1. The Mexicapan dance
It is the most recognized folkloric manifestation in the state. It represents the soul of the people and reflects the character of the Zacatecan: strong, gallant and boastful.
This dance was created in 1947, inspired by the poem by the Zacatecan vate Severo Amador Sandoval.
It is a medley consisting of six melodies: La Jesusa, Las Barrancas, La Varsoviana, La Botella, Los Barreteros and the Green Devil.
Originally it was played by a typical set of strings, today it is accompanied by a tamborazo.
To the beat of the music, the dancer with exaggerated movements woos the lady and together they spontaneously dance performing improvised movements that evoke the joy and emotionality of the Zacatecan of ancient times.
The representative costume of this dance is:
- Men: charro-type pants, white shirt with ornate front and cuffs, cloth tied to the right side of the hip, black ankle boots and a Zacatecan hat.
- Women: white blouse with colored embroidered cloth holán, red cloth skirt, white breeches and black ankle boots.
2. Morelos crews
It is a Zacatecan dance of French origin.
It was created in 1888, inspired by the ancient and elegant ballroom dances originating in France, typical of high society and characterized by extravagant costumes.
This type of dance is performed in shifts or gangs and in the middle of each change different melodies are played, toasts and recitations are made.
The representative costume of this dance is:
- The men: black charro pants, white shirt and black tie.
- Women: green blouse with high neck and baggy sleeves, pink skirt with ruffles, skirt and black satin ankle boots.
3. Jerez syrups
Jerez sones are cheerful traditional dances whose origin dates back to colonial times.
Composed of stomping parts and breaks, the woman shows off her coquetry by executing her skirt in front of the man who woos her during the choreography, regularly with her hands crossed behind her back.
The traditional dress of this dance is:
- Men: campero pants, white shirt, charro-type vest, bowtie, high-top hat and ankle boots.
- Women: wide, flowered and brightly colored petticoats, blouse buttoned up to the neck and skirt with ruffles, colored bows on her head and booties.
4. The Dance of the Tastuanes
It is a typical celebration of the Zacatecan municipalities Juchipila, Jalpa, Moyahua and Apozol that commemorates indigenous resistance in the 16th century.
From July 23 to 25 of each year, the Tastuans remember the Mixtón's war against the Hispanic invasion.
This is how dressed in a serape and chaps, carrying in their hands deer horns, scorpions and rattlesnakes, with their faces covered by a mask of red ocher wood with white stripes, they dance through the streets as a sign of respect and admiration. towards their ancestors.
5. Dances of Matlachines
They constitute a tradition that pays homage to the indigenous Tlaxcalans who resisted the rule of the Spanish.
In Zacatecas, the matlachin dances vary from region to region, however, almost all of them use monteras or plumes, nagüillas adorned with sequins and canutillos that serve to percuss, ataderas, three-hole huaraches and a rattle that emits a sound similar to the sound of a snake's bell.
References
- Zacatecas Regional Dances. (sf). Retrieved on October 30, 2017 from: bailezacatecas.galeon.
- Barjau, L. (nd). Dance of the Tastuanes. Retrieved on October 30, 2017 from: relatosehistorias.mx.
- Culture of Zacatecas. (sf). Retrieved on October 29, 2017 from: explorandomexico.com.mx.
- Letechipia, M. (February 3, 2015). Matlachines: Ritual Dance of the Zacatecan Festival. In: ljz.mx.
- Villa, H. (2016). The Baile de Mexicapan: Paradigm of a Tradition. In: sibetrans.com