The mestizo dances of Veracruz are a corporal artistic expression resulting from the mixture of cultures between Native Americans, Spanish, and black African slaves.
This fact occurred within the framework of the Mexican colonization process that began in the seventeenth century. Precisely, the gateway to this process was the port of Veracruz. And it was in that region where this phenomenon occurred most strongly.
Jarocho
The most representative mestizo dances of Veracruz are part of the choreography of a musical genre: they are Jarocho.
These sones are variations product of the mixtures of the rhythms of the three cultural groups that merged after colonization.
Origins of the mestizo dances of Veracruz
In general, music and dance in Mexico are a combination of features from different musical traditions. Like its peoples, musical traditions have an essential mestizo character.
After the arrival of the peninsular, the Iberian influence mixed with the native traditions. Along the Gulf coast, the influence of African tradition is also observed.
In the case of Veracruz, the jarocho illustrates the process of miscegenation in Mexican music. Originally, Jarocho music and dance was a subcultural form within Mexico.
It developed out of unique styles of syncretic performance that were common to field workers of indigenous and African descent.
Its acceptance by national cultural institutions as a legitimate art form occurred after the revolution.
During the colonial period, the jarocho dance was especially associated with populations that lived in the coastal regions of the state. These were specifically African and Native American slaves.
Peninsular settlers responded to the complex rhythmic structures of African dance. These introduced elements of their own rhythmic competitive dance based on flamenco and other popular Spanish traditions.
Thus, the Spanish influence on the jarocho includes the adoption of a rigid and stationary posture of the upper body.
Likewise, the Spanish contributed the use of the heels instead of the short sliding movements of the African slave population.
The rhythmic accompaniment of the music is also a syncretistic mix of popular Spanish melodies and syncopated African percussion.
Typical clothing of mestizo dances
Generally, the typical clothing of the mestizo dances of Veracruz is light in color. These colors help to withstand the tropical heat of the Veracruz coast. In the case of the jarocho sones, the women wear the traditional white jarocha costume.
This is made up of a cotton nightgown, blouse and petticoat, organdy skirt, embroidered handkerchief, and black apron. In their hair they wear a flower arrangement on the left if the young woman is single and on the right if she is married.
For his part, the man wears a white guayabera. The guayabera is a light cotton or linen shirt, cut loose, with front pockets, vertical pleats, and elegant embroidery.
This is accompanied by dress pants, and high heels. They are complemented by a printed bandana tied around the neck.
References
- Robledo R. (2011, September 15). 7 sones jarochos to celebrate national holidays. Retrieved on December 20, 2017, from eluniversalveracruz.com.mx.
- Barrientos, A. (2012). Folkloric Ballet: Veracruz. In M. Herrera-Sobek (editor), Celebrating Latino Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Cultural Traditions, pp. 101-103. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.
- Gonzalez, A. (2004). Jarocho's Soul: Cultural Identity and Afro-Mexican Dance
Lanham: University Press of America.
- JM Francis (editor). (2006). Iberia and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History: a Multidisciplinary Encyclopedia, Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.
- Scheff, H.; Sprague, M. and McGreevy-Nichols, S. (2010). Exploring Dance Forms and Styles: A Guide to Concert, World, Social, and Historical Dance. Champaign: Human Kinetics.
- Condra, J. (2013). Encyclopedia of National Dress: Traditional Clothing Around the World. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.