The typical costume of Guanajuato is closely related to the mining activity so characteristic of the area. The one for women is called galereña and originally consisted of two different versions, but based on the same garments.
One of these two ways of dressing it was for use at home, while when they went out they slightly modified their clothing.
The mining tradition of Guanajuato, one of the states that make up the United Mexican States, dates back to viceregal times.
Today it is trying to modernize, being the largest supplier of gold and silver in the country.
Its capital bears the same name as the state and has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
You may also be interested in the history of Guanajuato or its customs and traditions.
Main features
History of the galley
The clothing today considered the most typical of the state has its origin in the time when men worked in the mines scattered throughout their territory.
Compared to what happens in other mining areas, in Guanajuato women used to accompany their husbands and children to work.
There they carried out work outside the mine, taking care of breaking the ore into small pieces to make the process more comfortable.
These women were known as gallereñas since they worked in the galleys. The dress they wore is the one that has become typical of the state.
Description
The galley is made up of several pieces. They wore a blanket skirt called zagalejo. On top they wore another skirt, this time made of flannel with green triangles at the waist.
When they went out to the street they covered themselves with a third skirt, made of flowered organdy and with a train at the back reminiscent of that of Spanish flamenco dresses. Sometimes they also wore knee-length breeches.
A white blouse with a square and embroidered neckline was worn at the top. The sleeves are short and also have embroidery to adorn them.
On top of that blouse, the women wore various colorful necklaces, as well as a ball shawl.
Finally, the gallereñas covered their necks using a handkerchief and covered their arms with sleeve covers.
To avoid burns caused by the sun during working hours, they wore a hat made of palm.
They did not lack either, bracelets, combs and other decorations for the hair or arms.
Male suit
Curiously, the typical male costume is not influenced by the mining activity in the area. Perhaps because the boots and hard materials they used during that work were not at all comfortable to wear more often.
The men of the region traditionally wear a simple set of pants and a long-sleeved shirt. They are made of cotton, linen or silks and are adorned with vertical tucks.
This traditional clothing is sometimes adorned with embroidery. It is completed with a hat in the same color as the suit and a neckerchief.
References
- de la Luz Bustos, Irma. The typical costume of Guanajuato: That of the "Galereña". Recovered from guanajuato.gob.mx
- Traditional costumes. Typical Mexican costumes. Obtained from trajestipicosregionales.blogspot.com.es
- Don Quixote. Guanajuato Travel Guide. Obtained from donquijote.org
- Wikitravel. Guanajuato. Retrieved from wikitravel.org
- First Majestic. Mining History of Mexico. Retrieved from firstmajestic.com