- Traditional dances of the state of Colima
- The rooster dance
- Los Morenos
- The Apaches
- The Malinche
- The dance of the Virgin of Guadalupe
- References
The dances and typical dances of Colima encompass much of its culture, since they are not based on a single theme but on many folkloric, historical and representative elements of the area.
Religion, historical events and customs of Colima influence its traditional dances. Although some of Colima's traditional dances are exclusive to the state, others are shared by various Mexican entities.
The representation of battles between the indigenous and invading ancestors is a repetitive theme throughout all of Mexico and this fact can also be observed in the religious aspect.
You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Colima.
Traditional dances of the state of Colima
The performance of traditional dances and dances is carried out especially on special dates for Colima, such as religious celebrations, anniversaries and during fairs and carnivals where the participants wear typical costumes and play various roles to the beat of music.
The rooster dance
This dance comes from the tradition of displaying the roosters before making them fight.
It is a really simple dance where the participants (men and women) wear bright clothes and wooden shoes to stomp on the ground.
The dancers mimic the movement of the roosters by scraping the ground with their feet (producing noise to amplify the effect) and moving their necks as if challenging each other.
It can also be seen as a dance duel, as the participants compete for applause from the audience.
Los Morenos
Exclusive to the town of Suchitlán, it is a traditional dance of a religious nature where the dancers dress up as animals with handmade masks specially designed for the occasion and provide a theatrical representation of Noah's ark.
The masks are usually for goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, roosters and other domestic animals.
It is only performed on special dates for the Catholic religion, specifically three: Easter Sunday, the day of the Holy Cross and Pentecost Sunday.
The Apaches
Also called dance of San Bartolomé, it is performed in honor of San Bartolomé through the representation of the war between Mexicans and French in 1862.
During the dance the contestants of the Mexican side dance asking God for luck in battle.
The Malinche
La Malinche can be interpreted with a magical connotation, since it is based on rituals of worship to Pijchal, the Serpent of the Seven Colors. It is performed by 14 people who represent the 7 days of the week along with their 7 nights.
In the original ritual, Pijchal was asked for advice and guidance on various social issues. The current dance is accompanied by three people who play music, the dancers line up and perform steps imitating the authentic ritual.
The dance of the Virgin of Guadalupe
Held at the Virgin of Guadalupe's docenario, it gathers people outside the churches to honor the Virgin, pray to her or simply pay respects. There is no limit of participants, although they must be properly organized.
The dance consists of the simple adoration of the Virgin with religious music while also prayers and sermons are related.
After the dance, there are also fairs to expose artisan and gastronomic elements.
References
- José Ricardo Elguera (August 12, 2009). The dance of the Apaches. Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Rincón de Tamayo.
- Danza el gallito (nd). Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Danza JPG.
- The dance of the Maliche (July 4, 2012). Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Foro Tuxpan.
- Dance of «Los Morenos» (April 20, 2015). Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Suchitlán.
- Karla Gómez (December 9, 2016). Guadalupano Docenario in Colima. Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Quadratin.
- Dance of morenos (nd). Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Cultura Colima.