The culture of Nayarit is the product of the miscegenation between indigenous customs and the Spanish culture that arrived after the discovery of America. On the part of the Spanish influence came the whole load of the religious.
The other aspect of the cultural influence was due to the presence in this area of ancient indigenous tribes. Among them are the Huichols, Coras, Tepehuanos, and Mexicaneros.
Geographic map with the location of Nayarit
To the already classic Catholic festive iconography was added the magical religiosity of the indigenous, full of ceremonies of shamanic origin.
In addition, the confluence of traditions became, in the food sector, a very peculiar seasoning with typical dishes and traditional recipes.
You may also be interested in the typical traditions and customs of Nayarit.
Gastronomy: typical foods and drinks
Typical food of the region
Given its geographical location and because it has an extension of 289 kilometers of coastline, recipes with seafood are the main attraction of this area.
We mainly have the zarandeado fish, the raw shrimp ceviche, the fish pork rind and the shrimp broth.
Similarly, there is a whole series of desserts in the gastronomic sphere of Nayarit. Among them are: the banana pancle, the cocadas and the torrejas.
Additionally, the heat of the area has given rise to a whole series of refreshing drinks, such as pineapple tepache or barley water, among others.
Nayarit festivities
The festivities of this state result from the imprint of Catholic and indigenous religiosity.
In this way, the folklore of the Cora and Huichol ethnic groups is the predominant mark in this type of celebration.
For example we have: Holy Week Cora, Judea in Jala, the veneration of the Virgen de la Candelaria and the “Cambio de Varas”, among others.
Regarding the "Change of Wands" or "Change of Power" it is important to mention that this event is unique and has a leading role in the Huichol worldview.
This is because it alludes to a transfer of cosmic power, since each rod symbolizes a deity in Huichol culture.
Some festivities even go hand in hand with events of a commercial nature, as well as representing an opportunity for community rejoicing.
The National Fair in Tepic, the April Fair in Tuxpan and the Spring Fair in Santiago Ixcuintla, for example, are famous.
Nayarit music
The music also has mestizo characteristics where sound tones from different regions and cultures converge.
The Jarabe is emblematic of this area. It has certain particular elements that are reminiscent of the famous Guadalajara syrup from the Jalisco region.
Likewise, other sounds of a mestizo nature stand out, such as La Majahua, El Buey, El Gallito, Los Cuchillos, San Pedreño and El Jilguero, among others.
The way in which the dances of these sones, which are characteristic of Nayarit, are performed is also unique. In them the use of clothing, with richly dressed men and women, is distinctive.
In some cases, the man uses the machete for choreography, denoting both work and personal defense elements.
These dances are an essential representation of aspects of daily life and lovemaking.
References
- Cultural Atlas of Mexico: Crafts. (1987). Secretariat of Public Education, National Institute of Anthropology and History.
- Source, J. d. (2005). Encyclopedic Dictionary of Nayarit. Editorial House Sheet.
- Heredia Quevedo, E., & Villaseñor Palacios, B. (2001). Knowledge and chores: trades in Nayarit. Univ. Autónoma de Nayarit.
- Pacheco Ladrón de Guevara, LC (1990). Nayarit: society, economy, politics and culture. National Autonomous University of Mexico.
- Remolina, T., Rubinstein, B., & Suárez, I. (2004). Mexican traditions. Mexico, DF: Selector.