TABASCO CULTURE: MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The culture of Tabasco is the result of the fusion between the ancient indigenous tradition and the contributions of the Spanish colonization. The Olmecs settled in this territory of the Mexican southwest and implanted their rites, habits and traditions.

Then, in the 16th century, the arrival of the Spanish conquerors meant the introduction of new customs that were integrated or replaced the previous ones.

Today the Tabasco culture manifests itself through multiple elements. This can be analyzed taking into account the archaeological heritage and indigenous museums.

The arts (painting, sculpture, literature), music, typical dances, handicrafts and traditional festivals are also a reflection of the culture of Tabasco.

You may also be interested in the history of Tabasco or its traditions.

The 5 main cultural manifestations of Tabasco

1- Indigenous cultural heritage

In Tabasco there are more than 1000 archaeological sites from the time prior to the Hispanic colonization. One of the most famous is the place of La Venta.

There are pyramids and vestiges of the Olmec civilization, which developed its life for centuries in that territory.

In Tabasco there are also numerous museums dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage.

In the main cities and towns there are civil and religious monuments referring to the Olmec culture.

2- Arts

In Tabasco there have been many outstanding artists in the main artistic disciplines. Watercolorists, painters, writers, and sculptors who left their mark on Tabasco and Mexican culture can be cited.

Many of the themes used in these works refer to the nature of the region or to its tradition and cultural evolution.

3- Music, typical dances and Tabasco folklore

As for music, the Tabasco tradition was born from the first musical manifestations of the Olmecs.

The most common instruments were wind instruments, such as whistles and flutes; and the percussion ones, like drums.

Currently the traditional Mayan styles are almost extinct due to the influence of European colonization. For this reason, the greatest proof of that Mayan heritage is the instruments.

However, traditional dances are preserved and are still performed today. Some are the white ones, David and Goliath, the horse, the poach and the dance of the sardine fishing.

The typical dance of Tabasco is the zapateo. It arose due to the influence of the Spanish Conquest, when some soldiers played traditional Andalusian music.

The evolution of these styles ended up generating the Tabasco zapateado, similar to the Spanish fandanguillo.

4- Traditional festivals

In Tabasco there were markets for exchange and sale on the Mayan and Aztec trade routes.

Between April and May, the Tabasco Fair is celebrated, the most massive festival in the state. It is a large-scale reproduction of those exchanges, now with more shows, music, parades and other activities.

In addition, each municipality celebrates its respective patronal feast. The Tenosique carnival stands out, which is famous in Mexico for its rarity and uniqueness.

5- Crafts

In Tabasco, as in most Mexican states, artisan products are highly popular.

In the case of Tabasco, the materials most used by artisans are wood, ceramics, natural fibers for textile products and joloche. These crafts create both ornamental figures and useful objects for everyday life.

References

1. Tabasco, on Encyclopaedia Britannica, at britannica.com
2. Culture of Tabasco, on Exploring Mexico, at explorandomexico.com
3. Tabasco, on Nations Encyclopedia, at nationsencyclopedia.com
4. "Tabasco, on the footsteps of the Olmec civilization", on La petite valise d'Aurélie, at lapetitevalisedaurelie.com
5. State of Tabasco, on Visit Mexico, at visitmexico.com