Some of the most outstanding traditions and customs of Saltillo are its gastronomy, the Matachines, the Day of the Dead or the Sarape de Saltillo. The city of Saltillo, nicknamed the "Detroit of Mexico", is the capital of the state of Coahuila and is located 846 km from the Mexican capital.
With a population of almost one million inhabitants and 440 years of existence, it is one of the oldest cities in the North of Mexico and its attractions include more than 30 museums that highlight its historical and cultural wealth, which is kept alive through of their traditions.
Saltillo
The emblematic Sarape de Saltillo leads this list of traditions for being something entirely indigenous to the region.
It is a garment for male use, rectangular in shape, which is used as a poncho and includes a particular diamond design that goes from the chest to the back, although the designs of parallel lines of different thickness are also common.
The relevance of this garment is such that it defines a good part of the Mexican autochthonous wardrobe and its use is common in all the northern states, especially at night to protect from the cold of the plain.
More than a simple poncho, the textile is a cultural expression of the region.
Traditions and customs of Saltillo
Gastronomy
Food is always part of the traditions of any place and Saltillo cannot be an exception.
The famous dried meat from the north of Mexico is also present in this city. As in other parts of the country, it is prepared using beef that is salt-cured in a hot room for 36 hours.
After its preparation, it can be kept for up to a year without the need for refrigeration.
Another point among the local gastronomic options includes the preparation of sweets and preserves, a custom that has passed from generation to generation in families.
Dulce de leche, cartas and fruit preserves are made to take advantage of the region's harvests.
Festivities and Commemorations
The Matachines cannot be absent, it is something that is in the DNA of Mexico and Central America and there are records of it from the time of the colony. It is a ritualistic dance that includes special costumes and representations of different ethnic groups.
The dances do not have a specific date for their performance, they are present in various celebrations throughout the year.
The Day of the Dead, such a special tradition throughout Mexico, could not be an exception and is also part of the customs of Coahuila.
In the first two days of November of each year, deceased loved ones are honored, creating altars with photos, their favorite foods and commemorating their passage through the earth. The tradition was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
References
- Wikipedia - Saltillo. Taken from es.wikipedia.org.
- Unimedios - Saltillo celebrates 437 years of history, culture and tradition. Taken from unimediosagencia.com
- Unknown Mexico - The Origins of the Saltillo Sarape. Taken from mexicodesconocido.com.mx
- Trota México - Dried meat: The famous Machacado. Taken from trotamexico.com
- Festivities and typical foods of the state of Coahuila. Taken from karliitharamoss.blogspot.com
- Your Friends in Mexico - Our Traditions: The Dance of the Matachines. Taken from tusamigosenmexico.tumblr.com
- "Day of the Dead" in Coahuila. Taken from sites.google.com.