THE 8 MOST POPULAR TYPICAL DANCES AND DANCES OF NAYARIT - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

Some of the typical dances and dances of Nayarit are the dance of the cock, the coamecate, the dance of the bules, the dance of the devil or that of the negritos.

The main influence of dance in Nayarit comes from the State of Jalisco in the form of the dance known as Jarabe tapatío. This later became Jarabe Nayarita.

Typical dances of Nayarit.

Thanks to the work of Jaime Buentello and Arnulfo Andrade, in the last century the classification of the different dances or sounds that make it up was established.

Some of the main ones are: El Coamecate, El Diablo, Los Negritos, Los Bules and El Gallito.

You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Nayarit.

Nayarita syrup

El Jarabe is a Cuban rhythm, a mixture of Spanish and indigenous cultures, which represents situations in a peculiar way. Usually performed by a couple on a small stage; This dance presents the classic rodeo from the rooster to the hen.

Machetes

The Nayarit dances that are danced with machetes are known as sones potorricos, and in all of them the man flaunts his skill with the machetes, since they are supposed to be his work instrument and his personal defense weapon.

It is a mestizo dance that seeks to contrast the rudeness of the man with the machetes and the delicacy and coquetry of the woman.

The ox

It is a Spanish style dance very typical of the conquest, it can be seen by the ruffles and by the way the woman dresses; In the case of men, the suit is more indigenous, with the urbanized blanket suit with the dress shirt.

The dance of El Gallito

The dance of El Gallito has gained relevance beyond the borders of Nayarit. This dance has an allegorical connotation in the sense that it represents the courtship of man and woman through its analogy with the rooster and the hen.

In this dance the man stomps in unison with the woman and the costumes are extremely showy. The man wears trousers and a white blanket shirt with embroidery, as well as attractive hats.

For women the attire is equally charming with a satin base and a wide skirt. Usually the blouse has bright colors.

The head is usually adorned with flowers. One of the things that is most striking about the dance is the movement that the rhythm gives to the skirt.

Finally, the use of a fan and a crucifix by women denotes the strong Spanish and Catholic influence. All of this undoubtedly reveals a characteristically mixed expression.

He is from El Coamecate

With this same name a town in the state of Nayarit is denoted. Probably the appearance of this particular son occurred in that area. The rhythm of the dance usually has more leisurely nuances.

Again, scenes from everyday life or courtship between a man and a woman are represented here.

The dimension of this courtship is usually allegorical, as in the case of El Gallito, and is emulated through movements.

The Bules

The beauty and color of the traditional dances of Nayarit

In this particular dance, the most characteristic thing is the use of the machete. This instrument can have here a connotation of personal defense, as well as a work tool.

In this dance the attitude of the woman is seductive and this is manifested in the heels and pose in general.

There are usually doubles and rolls. However, it must be taken into account that the use of the machete as a choreographic element gives it a certain danger.

The Devil's dance

One of the characteristics of this particular dance is its relatively higher speed. This also involves the use of knives, in what is known as "Floreo de Cuchillos".

The dance of Los Negritos

This dance somehow synthesizes the sounds of El Diablo and los Bules. Likewise, there is an implicit danger in it due to the use of machetes in the form of beats.

References

1. Source, J. d. (2005). Encyclopedic Dictionary of Nayarit. Editorial House Sheet.
2. Múzquiz, R. (1988). Traditional dances and dances. General Coordination of Social Benefits, Coordination of Cultural Promotion, General Secretariat, Publications and Documentation Unit, Mexican Institute of Social Security.
3. Nájera-Ramírez, O., Cantú, N., & Romero, B. (2009). Dancing Across Borders: Danzas y Bailes Mexicanos. University of Illionis.
4. Pacheco Ladrón de Guevara, LC (1990). Nayarit: society, economy, politics and culture. National Autonomous University of Mexico.
5. Remolina, T., Rubinstein, B., & Suárez, I. (2004). Mexican traditions. Mexico, DF: Selector.