- The 5 typical dances of Guerrero
- 1- Dance of the tlacololeros
- two-
- 3-
- 4- Dance of the fish
- 5- Dance of the buzzards
- References
The typical dances and dances of Guerrero include some such as the dance of the tlacololeros, that of the devils or that of the gachupines. Most have their origin in colonial times, although some date back to a pre-Hispanic past.
They usually represent events related to religion or important historical and social events.
The state of Guerrero is located in the southwestern region of the country and is one of those that make up the United Mexican States.
It has a 15% indigenous population, being the Nahuatl the most present people. This can be seen in the development of its cultural manifestations, both due to the direct influence and the numerous testimonies of the Spanish priests.
You may also be interested in the culture of Guerrero or its traditions and customs.
The 5 typical dances of Guerrero
1- Dance of the tlacololeros
This dance is considered the oldest in the state. It maintains a great pre-Hispanic influence in music and in the story it represents.
It is usually danced throughout the central area of the country during different popular festivities.
The dance represents a story dedicated to the divinity of rain, Tláloc, and was used to ask for good harvests and protection against predators.
The company is made up of 14 dancers, plus another who plays the tiger and a last dancer who represents the pitero or wonder dog.
The plot revolves around the persecution by the peasants of the most harmful animals, symbolized by the tiger. In the end they capture him and hand him over to the tlacololeros.
two-
It is a dance whose origin can be found in colonial times, with a motif related to the religion that the Spanish wore after the Conquest.
It was used to teach indigenous people some concepts of Christianity through dance, as well as to change moral values and adapt them to new beliefs.
In this two main characters appear: Lucifer and death. Besides there are six other pairs of devils and a pair of "huesquistles", a kind of buffoons.
The one representing Lucifer strikes with a donkey jaw rhythmically, symbolizing the punishment of gluttony and theft.
Another devil plays the guitar, representing the punishment of vice and lust. Finally, a third devil carries a wooden box, which signifies the punishment of greed and pride.
3-
Gachupín is a term used in Mexico to refer to the Spanish and this dance is expressly dedicated to them.
It is a dance that seeks to make fun of certain habits and customs of the conquerors, although it was popularized by the mestizos after Independence.
The dancers carry a large handkerchief in their hands and wave them violently in the air.
This represents the movements that the gachupines made to try to scare away the mosquitoes.
The clothing to perform this dance is very simple, with a jacket and black pants. A mask with features that represent the Spanish is usually worn, as well as a cigar in the mouth.
4- Dance of the fish
The name of this dance comes from the clothing worn by the dancers, more specifically the string of wooden fish painted in colors that they carry on the right shoulder.
The dance seems to come from the coastal areas of the state, where many families made their living from fishing.
The movements and music represent the hard life of those who were dedicated to this activity.
The suffering to get food is reflected and the scars caused by the fights, which are made up on parts of the body, are characteristic.
5- Dance of the buzzards
Originally from the Mountain area, the dance comes from the indigenous peoples who lived there.
It represents the rites celebrated in Zitlala, where animals were sacrificed so that nature was benign.
All the dancers dress in black, with wings and masks, pretending to be buzzards. In this way the sacrifice of an animal carried by one of the hosts is symbolized.
After killing him, his body was hung in the square and waited for the buzzards to devour him.
References
- Guerrero Media Library. Warrior dances. (September 2016). Obtained from mediatecaguerrero.gob.mx
- Mexican Dances. Warrior. Obtained from danzasmexicanas.com
- Imagine Mexico. The Musical Traditions of Guerrero, Mexico. (September 2017). Retrieved from imagine-mexico.com
- Morales, Betty. The Dance of the Devils. Recovered from home.earthlink.net
- Covarrubias, Judit. Traditional Dances of Mexico. Retrieved from dance.lovetoknow.com