The culture of Zacatecas is the product of the evolution of values, traditions, customs and beliefs that have been transmitted from generation to generation throughout the history of this state.
Zacatecas is a Mexican state recognized for its ancient mining tradition. The rich deposits of silver, zinc and other minerals made its territory the destination of whites, Indians, blacks, mestizos and mulattos.
Zacatecas culture
From the colonial intercultural exchange customs derived that today are part of the identity of the Zacatecans.
Customs and traditions
Zacatecan customs and traditions are powerfully influenced by the religious element.
This is due to the Franciscans, Augustinians, Dominicans and Jesuits who during colonial times evangelized the population and transmitted their Western customs to them.
The most relevant aspect of the Zacatecan culture is the celebration of regional, patronal, religious and civic festivals.
These festivities take place in each municipality at different times of the year and Zacatecans come to them dressed in full dress and lots of color to honor their traditions.
The Zacatecas International Folk Festival is celebrated in the state capital during the month of July each year.
In September, Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio, the Tuna and Grape Fair and the National Fair of Zacatecas are commemorated.
Throughout the month the streets of Zacatecas are dressed with joy and revelry to receive residents and tourists who enjoy bullfights, palenque, dances, horse races and various exhibitions.
In the interior of the state, the festivities are mainly to commemorate the patron saint.
The most popular are the so-called “callejonadas”, a celebration that consists of walking through the alleys of the city while consuming mezcal from Huitzila and tasting samples of the local gastronomy.
Music
The vigorous temperament of the Zacatecanos is reflected in the Tamborazo, a musical current originating in Jerez in Zacatecas.
He uses martial-type musical instruments in harmony with wind instruments such as the saxophone, trumpet, and clarinet.
The events that occurred during the Mexican Revolution had a negative impact on the preservation and dissemination of the musical customs of Zacatecas.
At present these customs hardly survive in places like Valparaiso, Morelos, Monte and Escobedo.
Art
The artistic manifestations of the Zacatecan culture are rich and varied.
Zacatecas is recognized worldwide as a colonial state thanks to the historical and religious monuments of Baroque, Gothic and Churriguresque style that were built throughout the colony in its territory.
Traditional crafts are represented in the branches of:
- Silversmith's.
- Saddlery.
- Pottery.
- Textiles.
- Woodcarving.
- Artistic blacksmithing.
- Ceramics.
- Works in rocks, stones and metals.
The character of the Zacatecan, strong, gallant and boastful, is represented in the popular Mexican dance.
The art of gastronomy inherited the flavor of Mesoamerican culture. Rich in flavors and aromas, it is made up of ingredients of great nutritional value: beans, chili peppers, tomatoes, meats and a wide variety of fruits.
The wedding barbecue is one of its characteristic dishes. It is made up of pork, black or red chili, white bread and plenty of butter.
Beliefs
The celebration of the Day of the Dead was for a long time commemorated by its inhabitants visiting the graves of their relatives to pray a rosary and bring them offerings.
According to popular belief, the first day of November was to commemorate the deceased children and the second to offer to the deceased adults.
This tradition has had variations from the influence of other cultures. Proof of this is the custom of going out to "ask for the dead."
According to this, children dress up and sing with plastic pumpkins and skulls while waiting to receive sweets.
References
- Culture of Zacatecas. (sf). Retrieved on October 29, 2017 from: explorandomexico.com.mx.
- Ibarra, M. (August 3, 2017). Culture, Economy and Development of Zacatecas. In: elsoldezacatecas.com.mx.
- Zacatecas. Cultural and Tourist Attractions. (sf). Retrieved on October 29, 2017 from: siglo.inafed.gob.mx.
- Zacatecas. (October 24, 2017). In: es.wikipedia.org.
- Zacatecas. (sf). Retrieved on October 29, 2017 from: encyclopedia.com.