The culture of San Luis Potosí is made up of the fusion of pre-Columbian customs and traditions and those introduced by the Spanish. Among the latter, those that have to do with the Catholic religion are the most deeply rooted and widespread.
The gastronomy of San Luis Potosí is an important part of its culture, a mixture of elements of indigenous and Spanish tradition.
Procession of Silence
The most popular dishes are Tenek and Zacahuil, of pre-Hispanic origin, as well as the Potosinian enchiladas, the wedding barbecue, the corn tamale and the Potosino cold meat.
Music and dance, which are enjoyed in the religious festivities, are a sample of the joy and color of this province.
While his art is reflected in the crafts, and in the architecture of both the archaeological ruins and the most current cathedrals and palaces.
You may also be interested in the traditions of San Luis Potosí or its history.
Festivities of San Luis Potosí
One of the most important potosí festivals is celebrated during Easter. It is the Procession of Silence, celebrated on Good Friday. The brotherhoods of the different religious orders participate.
Each brotherhood has its own outfit, which varies in shape and color. The most striking outfit is the one that uses a pointed hood that covers the faces of the faithful.
Another popular festival is the Day of San Sebastián, in January, with regional dances, processions, music and fireworks.
The Virgen del Carmen and Santiago Apóstol Festivities, celebrated in July, feature dances, especially that of Matachines. Processions are also held.
The days of San Luis Rey de Francia in August, La Virgen de los Remedios and San Miguel Arcángel in September also have their celebration. Similarly, in these festivals dances, processions are performed, and fireworks are set off.
On the day of San Luis Rey, the FENAPO or Potosina National Fair has also been established. In it, crafts and typical gastronomic dishes are exhibited and sold.
Beliefs and Traditions
Music and dance reflect indigenous roots, adapted to the process of Catholic evangelization. The tradition of singing and dancing during the festivities is maintained.
The “Décimas y Balonas” are satirical verses accompanied by violin, guitar and jarana, which are declared while dancing until exhausted.
The mestizo groups preserve ritual dances that are currently performed on religious festivals. One of them is “Las Varitas”, accompanied by a violin and a reed flute.
It can also be named “El Zacamzón” which is accompanied with harp, guitar and rebelito (small violin). Or “La Danza Grande” or “Politzón”, and that of the “Palo Volador”.
These dances are related to natural cycles, meteorological phenomena and fertility.
As in other places in Mexico, it is celebrated on All Saints' Day and Day of the Dead.
Art
Popular art in San Luis Potosí has great pre-Hispanic influence.
In the city of Tancanhuitz (pre-Hispanic ceremonial center of the Huasteca) fabrics are made on a backstrap loom, and embroidery in wool and cotton.
The baskets woven in palm of natural color, and mixed with others of green fibers, form beautiful designs.
Also famous are the inlaid wooden boxes from Santa María del Rio, in which they mix woods from the region to shape the most beautiful figures. It comes from an Italian Renaissance technique.
References
- Tomas Calvillo (2002) San Luis Potosí, society, economy, politics and culture. Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Sciences and Humanities. UNAM
- Editor (2016) Customs and Traditions. 11/23/2017. Galleon. www.estadosdanluispotosi.galeon.com
- Editor (2015) Attractions of San Luis Potosí. 11/23/2017. Exploring Mexico. www.explorandomexico.com.mx
- Editor (2006) State of San Luis Potosi. 11/23/2017. The Portal of Mexico. www.elportaldemexico.com
- Maria Isabel Monroy Castillo (2016) San Luis Potosí: Brief History. 11/23/2017. www.fondodeculturaeconomica.com