- Main traditions and customs of Yucatan
- La Jarana, the typical dance of Yucatán
- Vaquería, the Yucatecan rodeo
- Indigenous festivities
- Religious holidays
- The typical clothes
- References
Some of the best known traditions and customs of Yucatan are the jarana, the Yucatecan rodeo, religious celebrations and indigenous festivities. Yucatán is a distinct and emblematic Mexican region due to the mixture of Mayan culture with European heritage.
The Yucatecan population enjoys a large number of centuries-old traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation and of customs that are related to daily life.
Between dances, local festivities, indigenous celebrations, music and typical clothing, Yucatán is one of the most culturally rich tourist destinations in the region.
The stories of travelers who have arrived in a distant land with an advanced and exotic civilization become reality in daily activities and special events of an intense cultural agenda in Mérida and the rest of the towns.
Main traditions and customs of Yucatan
La Jarana, the typical dance of Yucatán
La Jarana is a musical style full of fun, excitement and gallantry, combining European rhythms with indigenous sounds.
Those who star in this dance dress for the occasion in traditional costumes to make each performance even more colorful.
Although the Jarana is one of the essential events of every cultural celebration, it is also part of daily life and is a source of pride for the inhabitants of Yucatán.
Vaquería, the Yucatecan rodeo
Rancher festivals are very popular in Mexico and Yucatán is no exception, with long days that include demonstrations, contests, artistic performances, and celebrations of traditional clothing, food, and dances.
Other important elements of these festivities are the bullfights and the "pumps", poems or about feminine beauty and regional customs.
Indigenous festivities
Yucatán is a popular tourist destination for its Mayan heritage, with dozens of historical sites with different meanings and cultural relevance. Each place has its own events agenda with its approaches and peculiarities.
The Spring Equinox festival takes place from March 19 to 21 each year at the Kukulcán pyramid and the Autumn Equinox festival is from September 20 to 22, both in Chichén Itzá. Izamal and Uzmal are other sites that host cultural events regularly.
Religious holidays
The celebration of “Mamá Linda”, patron saint of Yucatán and Lady of the Immaculate Conception, takes place on December 8, but preparations begin at the end of November.
Everything ends with a serenade and typical presentations. Another important date in the religious-cultural calendar is the day of San Antonio de Pádova during June, which includes the “descent of the saint” and the “guilds” or processions that leave and return to the different churches.
Other popular religious festivals are those that take place during Holy Week, such as “Palm Sunday”, “Holy Thursday”, “Good Friday”, “Holy Saturday” and “Glory or Resurrection Sunday”.
In addition, the Mérida Carnival and other similar events that take place in different towns throughout the year are celebrations in honor of the patron saints of each town and they usually last seven days.
The typical clothes
Yucatecans are very proud of their cultural heritage and one of the most faithful and colorful displays is through regional costumes.
The clothing has undergone modifications and additions over time but maintains a millenary base as a heritage of the Mayan culture in conjunction with Spanish and Caribbean details.
The "terno" is the traditional dress, used in cowboy parties and weddings, with the "hipil", the "fustán" and the "doublet" as main elements.
It is normal that the hipil is also used daily as a decorative accessory. Among men, the "guayabera" is the distinctive piece along with a straw hat.
References
- Eric N. Blakanoff and Edward Moseley. Yucatán in an era of globalization. The University of Alabama Press. 2008. 164-165. Taken from books.google.co.cr
- Yucatan Secrets - The Travel Guide. Taken from yucatansecrets.com
- Yucatán Today - Traditions. Taken from yucatantoday.com
- How To Enjoy Merida's Carnival. 2011-2014. Taken from yucatanliving.com.