The culture of Coahuila starts from the miscegenation and adopts mainly indigenous customs, but not local ones, but from other areas of Mexico. In addition, elements of colonizing cultures and other American societies are also present.
In the pre-colonization era, the Coahuila region was populated by indigenous nomads belonging to the Chichimeca ethnic group. The conquest of the Spanish resulted in the extermination of the indigenous people of this region. Therefore, the culture of Coahuila is foreign for the most part.
View of the Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, at the intersection of Carranza and Hidalgo, during the parade on September 16, Mexico's Independence Day.
For example, in pre-Hispanic times, the crafts that were made in this city were only intended to make hard fiber fabrics to decorate the implements necessary for hunting. But nowadays, Coahuila is well known in the elaboration of the colorful wool sarapes, which were adopted from the Tlaxcala Indians.
You may also be interested in the history of Coahuila or its customs and traditions.
Traditions
Some of the most outstanding traditions are:
-The peasant dances to celebrate the harvesting of the Lechugilla crops and the performance of the Jarabe Pateño.
-The European dances known as Redova, Polka, Contradanza and Chotis.
-The production of vine wines.
-Elaboration of Creole confectionery such as canned guava, quince, apricot, -among others.
-The northern musical genre of corridos has also been adopted and popularized in Coahuila.
-The myths and legends of their towns are very famous, such as “La Llorona comes to Arteaga when there is a newborn” or “El Cerro del Muerto”, among others.
-The Sun Fair.
-Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin and Grape Fair.
-The festivities of San Andrés.
Music
Product of miscegenation, the musical diversity of Coahuila is very rich. In this region they have adopted and adapted rhythms from each of the regions that have influenced them throughout their history. Among these genres are:
- Corrido: these were adopted from the northern culture. The corrido has been translated for the locals as a form of expression to show the love they feel for their land. Among the most famous corridos are: “Soy de Saltillo”, “El corrido de Coahuila” and “Corrido de Torreón”.
- Polkas: this genre was adopted from Europeans. Her name is a Czech word, which translated into Spanish means half a step.
- Redovas: this genre was an adaptation made by northern Mexicans to polka. The redova consists of quartets or quintets that are accompanied by instruments such as the redova itself (the name of the genre is taken from this instrument), the accordion, the snare, the saxophone, the contra bass, among others. According to history, during the Mexican Revolution, revolutionaries celebrated their triumphs by singing them.
-F ara Fara: it arises from the creativity of this region, when the fusion between the polka and the corridos took place. This genre contributed to the telling of incredible stories accompanied by instruments such as the accordion and the double bass or tololoche.
Art
The cultural mix has nurtured this state, adopting the development of various types of crafts, such as: Wood carving, weaving, engraving in different types of materials, clay sculptures, among a large number of other products considered typical.
Myths and legends
They are part of the artistic representations of the state. Authors such as Arch. Mario Monjaraz, Manuel Saúl Facundo, Froylán Mier Narro, Profr. Jorge Luis Esquivel Pérez and Ma. Antonieta Oyervides de Esquivel, have created works that represent stories of emblematic places in Coahuila.
References
- Coahuilense Book Club, 2. (2004). Ildefonso Villarello Vélez: a voice in the culture of Coahuila. Coahuila: University of Texas.
- Coahuila, G. d. (November 05, 2017). State program of culture 2011 - 2017 Coahuila de Zaragoza. Obtained from coahuila.gob.mx
- Coahuila: society, ep (2003). National Autonomous University of Mexico. Mexico: National Autonomous University of Mexico.
- Leonardo, F. (1975). Chronicle of the culture of Coahuila, Volume 2. El Saltillo: University of Texas.
- Mexico, E. d. (November 05, 2017). Coahuila. Cultural and Tourist Attractions. Obtained from inafed.gob.mx