- The 3 main typical costumes of Hidalgo
- 1- Sierra Tepehua
- 2- Huasteca Region
- 3- Mezquital Valley Region
- References
The typical costume of Hidalgo varies depending on the area of the State and the cultural influences that it receives. There are three costumes considered traditional, without any one prevailing over the rest as the most important and popular in the region.
The three areas that have their own clothing are the Huasteca, the Sierra Tepehua and the Valle del Mezquital.
It is in the dresses worn by women that the influences and meanings of each of these can be better contemplated.
The number of ethnic groups residing in the state, as well as the geographical differentiation, has endowed this territory with various traditional costumes.
The Free and Sovereign State of Hidalgo, official name, is one of those that make up the United Mexican States.
It has an important indigenous population, especially in the areas named for the importance of their costumes.
You may also be interested in the history of Hidalgo or its traditions and customs.
The 3 main typical costumes of Hidalgo
1- Sierra Tepehua
The traditional costume of this area is marked by its inhabitants and its mountainous orography.
There is an important indigenous community of Tepehua ethnic group. Its name means “mountain people” in Nahuatl and refers to its most common habitat.
Women's clothing is the one that has preserved the most traditional features. Since the climate of the region is usually mild with sporadic cold spells, the garments are prepared for it.
It has different pieces, starting with a blanket blouse, beautifully adorned with green or red embroidery located on the shoulder and on the sleeve.
The skirt can be of different colors, always in dark tones. The most common is to find them black, blue or brown and are tangled at the waist.
To gird them, the women wear a wide sash, made with a pre-Hispanic type loom. They do not wear any type of footwear.
2- Huasteca Region
The so-called Huasteca region includes, apart from an area of the state of Hidalgo, parts of San Luis Potosí and Querétaro.
It is a region with an important Nahua population. Nahua traditions permeate much of their customs, including their traditional costume.
The climate, hot and without too much rainfall, also influences the clothing of the area.
Due to these meteorological conditions, the blouse that the women wear is short-sleeved, white and embroidered with a multitude of flowers in striking colors.
The skirt is quite simple. It is a white garment, without any adornment and with a medium length.
They usually complete their outfit with braids in their hair. They do not usually wear shoes: they walk barefoot all the time.
3- Mezquital Valley Region
As in the previous region, the dry and temperate climate marks the choice of clothing.
In addition, the influence of the Otomi who reside in the area is very clear, especially for the embroidered motifs.
The blouse is finely embroidered with threads of various colors that represent the so-called «nahui ollin», which means “four movements”. It is a kind of star with four or six points.
The other traditional motif that is embroidered on the blouse is the "xinicuilli" (constellation of the twins).
It is an undulating line that forms a space in which animals such as horses or birds are drawn.
The skirt reaches the middle of the leg, with some embroidery at the bottom. The use of the ayate is also common, a fabric made with maguey thread and that serves to protect from the sun.
References
- Jet trip. Typical costumes of Mexico by region. Obtained from viajejet.com
- Hidalgo Grows With You. Typical and Regional Costumes. Obtained from hidalgo.gob.mx
- National Park Service. The Stories Behind the Costumes of Mexico. Retrieved from nps.gov
- Countries and Their Cultures. Mexico. Retrieved from everyculture.com
- Mexican Indigenous Textiles. Tepehua of Hidalgo. Obtained from mexicantextiles.com