THE 12 MOST POPULAR TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS OF VERACRUZ - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The traditions and customs of Veracruz are a combination of the indigenous traditions of the first settlers with a European influence thanks to the Spanish conquest.

When the Spanish began the conquest of Mesoamerican territory, the first Spanish population was formed in Veracruz. This region has a mixture of cultures, mainly indigenous, Spanish and Afro-Cuban. Its influence is clearly visible in all the traditions and customs that this territory houses.

The mixture of the original cultures of this territory, specifically the Huastec, the Totonac and the Olmec, together with the Spanish culture, is reflected in its typical dishes, celebrations and dances.

Veracruz is located along the coast and in the central part of Mexico. Developed during the Spanish colonization, Veracruz has been the largest, oldest and historically most important Mexican port.

List of traditions and customs of the state of Veracruz in Mexico

1- Carnival of Veracruz

Source: ANGELOUX / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)

It is one of the most recognized carnivals on the globe, known as 'the most joyous carnival in the world'. It lasts about nine days in total and features six major parades, public concerts, parties, and social events.

Carnival in Veracruz has its origins in the colonial period. Residents of towns just outside the city created new forms of music with European, African, and indigenous traditions.

These ancient traditions involving people dressed in colorful clothing dancing to rhythms derived from Africa provoked the disapproval of the Catholic Church.

However, the festival continued to evolve into more formal dances for a select small group, as well as street celebrations for the popular classes.

Today, Veracruz has the largest and most well-known carnival in Mexico. It begins with the 'burning of bad humor' and ends with the funeral of 'Juan carnaval'.

The 'burning in a bad mood' is represented by the effigy of a known and hated person. 'Juan carnaval' is another effigy that receives a fake funeral.

Among these events, the queen of the carnival and her court are crowned, six parades with a minimum of 30 floats that recur in Veracruz and Boca del Río, concerts of well-known artists, dances, and charity events are held.

2- The dance of the Tocotines

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This dance originated in Misantla. It is generally represented in the Temple of the parish of the Assumption.

This dance is a representation of the arrival of the Spanish conquerors to what is now the municipality of Xico Viejo.

This dance is made up of 18 parts that lasts about four hours. All the confrontations that took place until Cortés triumphed over Moctezuma are represented.

3- Encacahuatado Chicken

This traditional dish from the hot and humid state of Veracruz consists of a chicken breast drowned in a creamy peanut sauce.

In Veracruz, seeds and nuts are often used to add creaminess and flavor to sauces. Although peanuts were used primarily by the Mayans, they are used in the Veracruz area more than anywhere in Mexico.

The use of peanuts and chili peppers in this dish is believed to represent the culture and flavor of Veracruz cuisine.

4- Festival of La Candelaria

Source: Monterrey Medical District / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

This event is celebrated in 13 municipalities of Veracruz. There are two versions about the origins of this party. The first version is based on the veneration of the natives towards a goddess called Chalchiuhtlicua, goddess of water, rivers, seas and lagoons.

It is said that when the Spanish arrived they supplanted Chalchiuhtlicua by the Virgin of Candelaria, protector of fishermen.

The second version is based on the fact that the Andalusian virgin cared for the sailors who lived on the island of Tlaxcotialapan. Regardless of the reality, the Spanish influence is clear; during the Candelaria festival, bulls are released as in the European pamplonadas.

5- Dance of the Flyers of Papantla

Source: Luisalvaz / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

It is an ancient indigenous ceremony that consists of dances and the climbing of a 30-meter pole from which four of the five participants jump tied with ropes to descend to the ground.

The fifth participant remains at the top of the pole, dancing and playing a flute and a drum. This ritual is believed to have started when the indigenous people asked the gods to end a severe drought.

Although this ritual did not originate with the Totonac Indians, it is currently associated with them, especially those in and around Papantla in Veracruz.

6- Feast of All the Dead

Altar of the day of the dead. Source: Paolaricaurte / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

It is a celebration that lasts for several days and focuses on gatherings of family and friends who remember and pray to close members who have died to help them on their spiritual journey.

Traditions connected with these celebrations include building private altars called offerings, honoring members using skulls, flowers of the dead, and visiting the graves of the deceased. It is believed that this tradition had its beginnings in Aztec festivals.

7- Day of the Holy Cross or Day of the bricklayer

Cross made of flowers. Source: Juanscott / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

This festival is usually held for several days in May in 10 municipalities of Veracruz. In this festival, crosses are constructed, they are placed in constructions and the priest or parish priest usually bless the structures.

Additionally, this celebration involves the drinking of liquors such as beer, mezcal and tequila; parties and meetings are also held.

8- Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

Source: Claire and Richard Stracke / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

It is celebrated on December 12 and the appearance of this virgin on the Tepeyac hill is commemorated.

At present, it is celebrated with various organizations of workers in neighborhoods and neighborhoods; they carry a virgin that has been decorated with paper and flowers. These people carry the Virgin to a temple while accompanying her pilgrimage with music and songs.

Some people even wear mariachis to sing to the virgin. At the end of the pilgrimage, the parish priest blesses them.

9- Huasteca dance from Veracruz

Typical female costume of the huasteca Veracruz dance Source: Thelmadatter / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

It is a dance with great European influences, especially Spanish, originating from the coasts of Veracruz; It is done on a platform.

This dance is a combination of various musical forms, indigenous and African influences. Generally the celebration is called huapango, which includes the interpreters, musicians and dancers.

10- Veracruz crafts

Ocoxal basket. Source:

Veracruz crafts depend on the territory where it is located. Some of the best known crafts from this state include palm and hardware items, vanilla figurines, wool textiles, and tortoiseshell items.

In Amatlán de los Reyes textiles are made with backstrap looms and in Coatepec handicrafts are made from the root, trunk and branches of coffee trees.

On the other hand, in Los Tuxtlas wooden masks and amulets are made, Tiocotalpan is known for its weavings, and in Xalapa the Olmec and Totonec tradition of making pieces of jade and ceramics is respected.

11- Coffee Fair

Different types of coffee. Source:

In Coatepec, just over 100 kilometers from Veracruz, the Expo Feria del Café is held annually, where different pavilions house products from coffee companies, aromatics or tastings are held.

It has its origin in 1948, when producers, businessmen and coffee growers met to show their products and learn cultivation techniques. Although it had a period of inactivity, since 1970 it has been celebrated every year in mid-May.

Currently it is not only an exhibition of coffee, but an event that houses functions and develops gastronomic or artistic activities.

12- Festivities of San Mateo de Naolinco

Source: Isaacvp / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Located in the Sierra de Chiconquiaco-Misantla, Naolinco is a magical city that houses important customs and traditions such as the San Mateo de Naolinco festivities.

The reason is to pay homage to Saint Matthew, his patron, and it is celebrated between September 19 and October 6, the main day being the 21st, which is the date on which the apostle's name day is set.

There are processions, religious representations, dances and drums and you can also enjoy the typical foods of the area (mole, tamales, chili…) and a good coffee.

References

1. Customs and traditions In Veracruz. Recovered from ourveracruz-veracruz.blogspot.com.
2. Veracruz. Recovered from wikipedia.org.
3. Huasteca Veracruzana (2010). Recovered from eltriohuasteco.blogspot.com.
4. Carnival in Mexico. Recovered from wikipedia.org.
5. Traditions and customs of Veracruz. Recovered from blogitravel.com.
6. Day of the dead. Recovered from wikipedia.org.
7. Dance of the tocotines. Recovered from ibalpe.com.
8. Crafts from Veracruz. Recovered from programadestinosmexico.com.
9. Dance of the Flyers. Recovered from wikipedia.org.

Knack Mexican Cooking: A Step-by-Step Guide to Authentic Dishes Made Easy. Recovered from books.google.co.ve.