THE 10 MOST POPULAR MESTIZO DANCES IN MEXICO - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The mestizo dances of Mexico exemplify the rich culture of this country. Mexican indigenous cultures have contributed to their distinct regional and mestizo traditions. African slavery played a less important role in that regard.

The national dance of Mexico is the Jarabe Tapatío, which originated from a collection of regional sonecitos that were combined with a musical composition in the early 20th century. El Jarabe Tapatío represents the cultural identity of the mestizo population of Mexico.

One of the most distinctive groups that has had a great influence on Mexican culture are the chimimeca dancers, called concheros.

As they dance, they play a guitar-like instrument made from the shell of an armadillo.

Thousands of dance groups perform throughout Mexico during festivals and national days.

It generally takes a long time to design, make and embellish the costumes with sequins, feathers, shells, bows and fabrics.

The 10 main mestizo dances of Mexico

1- Tapatío Syrup

It is a folk dance considered the national dance of Mexico.

Despite his innocent steps (the dancers never touch each other) the Spanish authorities of the 19th century considered the movements to be too sexual and suggestive, so they banned it.

This ban only increased his popularity and rebellious character, which is why his dancers considered it as a declaration of social freedom and political independence.

This dance celebrates romantic courtship. It is danced with a man and a woman; it seems that the man invites his partner to a reality of romance and intimacy. At the end of the dance, the audience assumes that the couple finally seals their union with a kiss.

The women wear a wide skirt and decorated with a blouse; This outfit is called China Poblana and is inspired by an Indian princess named Mirra who imposed her influence on the country. The men wear an outfit called a charro.

This dance is a mixture of influences including the waltz, polka, and Native American dances.

Variations of this dance include the Jalisco syrup, the atole syrup, and the Moreliano syrup.

2- Zandunga

This dance originated in Tehuantepec in Oaxaca. It is a mixture of soft steps that go to the rhythm of the music and are interspersed with zapatatas.

The men dress in white, while the women wear the typical Tehuano costume and necklaces. Usually women wear their hair in many braids and adorned with flowers.

The zandunga is danced at the Guetaguetza Festival and has indigenous, African and European influences (from the colonial era).

3- Dance of the chareos

It is generally danced in southern Mexico, especially in Oaxaca. It has 16 male dancers who are separated into two groups: that of Santiago Apóstol, which has a plume of white feathers, a hat and a belt; and that of the Moors, led by Pontius Pilatos.

Participants wear velvet pants with gold trim and feathers.

4- Dance of the leather

This dance was created in honor of the farmers of Yautepec and has three participants: two dancers and another who plays the role of a bull.

The dancers don a mask that has dramatized expressions and a hat. The dance of the cuerudos is danced with band music and it is popular to dance it on the Rosary Festival.

5- The mestizo jarana

It is a dance danced in pairs from Yucatan. It originated during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is usually danced every Sunday in the municipal palace of Mérida.

Its name comes from the time of the Conquest. When the Spaniards made a party they said: "The jarana began."

Then, the natives thought that they referred to the music that was played in the revelries. Little by little they adapted to the revelry and added their special rhythm to it.

6- Dance of the dumb

It originated in Guerrero. In this particular dance performed only by men, they dress like women using maguey wigs and dresses.

It is called dance of the mutes because you cannot speak during the dance, and when it is performed on a festival you cannot say a word.

7- Dance of the Conquest

In this dance the history of the Spanish Conquest is told. The dancers have masks and each one has the role of an important historical figure: from Hernán Cortés to La Malinche and Moctezuma.

At the end the death of Moctezuma is presented. It is a very popular dance in the states of Michoacán and Jalisco.

8- Dance of the Jews

It is also known as the dance of the Pharisees. It is danced during Holy Week by the May indigenous people of the Sinaloa and Sonora region.

Its dancers wear a red shirt, black pants and a typical hat. One group represents the demons; it is a performance between good and evil.

9- Dance of the parachicos

It is held during the Fiesta Grande in January of each year in the Chiapa de Corzo region, in Chiapas.

For several weeks the dancers take to the streets every day to honor various Catholic saints, especially San Sebastián, San Antonio Abad and Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas.

It is believed that this dance originated when a woman came to that area seeking help for her sick son and the Chapacorceños dressed up to cheer up the boy.

The dancers wear carved wooden masks, ixtle plumes, woven shawls, colorful bows, and play maracas.

They are guided by a patron who has a guitar and a whip, and plays the flute. There are also people who play the drums and set the beat. This dance is a Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

10- Dance of Moors and Christians

This dance was introduced by the monks and today it is typically included as part of a larger festival that includes other elements such as the representation of battles.

All representatives, whether Moorish or Christian, wear capes and masks that represent their alliances.

This dance represents the battle of good (Christianity) and evil (Moors), while in some regions it is rather the fight between the Spanish and the Aztecs.

Regardless of the details, during the dance the participants perform the dance while simulating a battle with swords and shields.

References

1. 5 typical dances of Mexico. Recovered from viajesla.com.mx
2. Tapatio syrup. Recovered from donquijote.org
3. Mexico in Latin American dance. Recovered from britannica.com
4. 7 spectacular costumes and typical dances of Mexico. Recovered from mexicodestinos.com
5. 10 examples of mestizo dances. Recovered from 10examples.com
6. Folk dance of Mexico. Recovered from wikipedia.org
7. Dance of the cuerudos (2012). Recovered from vadebailes.blogspot.com
8. 10 traditional mexican dances you should know about (2016). Recovered from theculturetrip.com