TYPICAL COSTUME OF COLIMA: MAIN CHARACTERISTICS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The typical costume of Colima is closely related to the religious traditions of the state and the country. In the case of women, they dress it exclusively during the celebration of the novena of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

There is a second typical costume, with an origin prior to the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, whose use is not limited to religious celebrations.

Colima is the name of one of the states that make up the United Mexican States. The name comes from a Nahuatl word that comes to mean "place where the water twists."

The indigenous influence comes mainly from the Tarascan communities that inhabited the area before the Conquest.

You may also be interested in the culture of Colima or its traditions and customs.

Main features

History

The traditional costume of Colima has an origin marked by the arrival of Catholicism to the state.

Although there are no references to its first uses, its link to the devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe is very clear.

In the case of women, they dress it in the novena of the Virgin, as a way of showing their respect and veneration.

Description

Traditionally, this costume has been hand embroidered in each house to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe during the novena. The skirt is white and incorporates embroidery in the shape of roses and red stars.

The upper part is embroidered in cross stitch, also by hand. The most characteristic thing about this costume is that on the front it includes the image of the Virgin, in brown.

This is why it is a clothing used exclusively in religious celebrations.

As for the male suit, its design is quite simple. It only consists of pants and a long-sleeved shirt, both white.

As accessories they put a red scarf around the neck and a palm hat.

Other typical costumes of Colima

Costume of pre-Hispanic origin

The other costume that is considered traditional in the state of Colima has a pre-Hispanic origin, although it has incorporated some elements worn by the Spanish.

The one worn by the women consists of a skirt and a blanket blouse, both decorated with flowers and figures.

Likewise, frets usually appear, which have been dyed in blue or red. To achieve this last color a dye prepared with the cochineal is used.

The dress is completed by a cloak made with the same fabric and sandals on the feet.

For his part, the man wears a hard palm hat, with ornaments in the shape of a four-leaf clover.

The shirt is made of a blanket, without a collar, and is completed with a red scarf called a bandana around the neck. The pants are gray and charro style.

Suit to dance sones and syrups

The one used to dance traditional sones of the state is another of the most typical costumes of the region.

The women wear a white blouse, with puffed sleeves and a holán decorated with pink fabric.

The skirt is circular and also incorporates an embellished holán to match the blouse. They also usually wear a petticoat and white shoes.

References

1. Mexico Travel and Tourism. Typical costumes of men and women from Colima. Obtained from mexicoviajesyturismo.blogspot.com.es
2. Hazel, Danahe. Typical costume from Colima. (April 27, 2017). Obtained from mexicolindoyquerido.com.mx
3. Wikitravel. Colima. Retrieved from wikitravel.org
4. History Channel. Colima. Retrieved from history.com
5. National Park Service. The Stories Behind the Costume of Mexico. Retrieved from nps.gov