THE 5 MOST POPULAR DANCES AND TYPICAL DANCES OF QUERÉTARO - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The dances and typical dances of Querétaro are autochthonous artistic expressions that enhance the religiosity of its people and the marked cultural syncretism product of the interaction of the cultures that intervened in its history.

The history of traditional Mexican dances dates back to the pre-Hispanic period, as part of the rituals that the indigenous people carried out to emulate work and worship their gods.

Dance of the shells

With the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, a mixture of cultures occurred. This is how European dances such as the waltz, ballet, polka and chotis influenced indigenous dance forms.

From this emerged three forms of Mexican folk dance: indigenous ritual, typical of religious and community settings; the mestizo folkloric, with western influences on indigenous dance; and the regional dances, expression of the customs of each state.

You may also be interested in the typical traditions of Querétaro.

The 5 dances and typical dances of Querétaro

1- The dance of the shells

The dance of the concheros, also known as the Aztec and Mexica dance or dance of the conquest, is the oldest and most representative cultural expression of the state of Querétaro.

Its origin dates back to 1531, when the Otomi allied with the Spanish fought battle against the Chichimecas and were surprised by an eclipse of the Sun.

During the event, a cross was spotted in the sky that amazed the warriors, who prostrated themselves before it and began to dance as a sign of respect and veneration for the divinity.

This stage representation is currently carried out during the celebrations of the Santísima Cruz de los Milagros (in May), the Virgen del Sagrario (in September) and the Virgen de Guadalupe (in December).

2- The dance of the Shaja or the turtle

It is carried out in the Tolimán municipality. This humorous dance is allegorical of fertility and is performed imitating the turtle in the act of laying the eggs in the sand.

The animator uses a shell made of reed and with this he walks through the streets, hiding and stretching his head.

On his tour he is accompanied by a musical band of wind instruments.

3- The dance of shepherds

It commemorates the festivities of La Candelaria, Easter and Christmas.

It is a dance performed by a group of young ladies who represent the Virgin Mary in five stages: purification, annunciation, assumption, nativity and conception.

The beautiful representation shows the girls dressed in white covered with a veil and flowers on their heads.

The ladies who lead them display a colorful hat adorned with flowers, and carry a cane with four bells and colored ribbons used to mark the rhythm.

4- The dance of the arches

It is a secular dance of European origin that pays homage to the Virgen del Carmen. It is a native expression of the states of Mexico, Querétaro, Puebla and Hidalgo.

It is made up of complex steps and surprising and showy turns performed by pairs of men, arranged in rows with arches decorated with paper flowers at the ends.

5- The huapango queretano

Querétaro is one of the Mexican states that belongs to the Huasteca region. Its culture is strongly influenced by this region, specifically in its dance and musical expressions.

The huapango is not a ritual dance, it is an eminently joyous dance performed between couples who flirt with each other without having physical contact, with mischievous glances, twists and turns.

It is derived from the popular Spanish dances and trovas that arrived in the Huasteca region in the 17th century.

References

1. Dance of the Arches. September 30, 2017. In: es.wikipedia.org
2. Dance and Music of Querétaro. (sf) Retrieved on November 8, 2017 from: asiesmimexico.mx
3. The Huapango Queretano. (2009). From: eloficiodehistoriar.com.mx
4. The Dance of Concheros in Querétaro. (sf) Retrieved on November 8, 2017 from: xichulense.com.mx
5. Queretaro. Cultural and tourist attractions. (sf). Retrieved on November 8, 2017 from: siglo.inafed.gob.mx