- Description of the typical costume of Jalisco
- mens
- Women
- Difference between the typical costume of Jalisco and mariachi costume
- References
The typical costume of Jalisco is used both by the dancers of the folk groups and by participants and attendees of charrería events, the national sport par excellence of Mexico.
Charrería activities began when the conquerors introduced horses and horsemanship to the indigenous members of Aztec society in the 16th century.
Today, men and women participate equally in these events. The knights carry out different competitions on horseback.
For their part, the women perform daring feats while riding sideways. In general, the outfits worn during these tasks are extremely decorative and feature colorful embroidery and hats.
You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Jalisco.
Description of the typical costume of Jalisco
mens
The typical dress of Jalisco, in the case of men, is the charro suit. The charro (worker of the ranches, or haciendas) original of the early eighteenth century had robust hands and competed in the charrería.
In these festivals they demonstrated their skills, raising their status. In doing so, through their clothing they sought to convey their achievements by copying the clothing of the rich landowner in the most brilliant way possible.
Over time, this style became popular not only in the state, but throughout Mexico.
The charro suit consists of a short and tight jacket that ends at the bottom of the rib cage.
The sleeves are short to show the silver wrist cutouts and the shirt underneath. This jacket can be adorned with up to seventy silver (or occasionally gold) buttons, going up the lapels and down the sleeves.
On the other hand, a charro wears huge hats and tight pants with decorative patterns in suede. As for the colors, only some colors are allowed (dark tones).
Women
The women's suit includes a long one-piece dress made of poplin, with a high neck and puff sleeves.
This dress has ruffles at the top in a V shape, also at the bottom which is quite wide. Although this suit is a single color, contrasting colored ribbons and decorative lace are used that make them very showy.
Lace-up boots and a headdress made of the same ribbons as the dress complete this typical Jalisco outfit.
Difference between the typical costume of Jalisco and mariachi costume
The costumes worn by musicians in mariachi bands resemble those of charros. Modern gangs are believed to have formed in the town of Cocula, Jalisco.
It was there that the use of the harp was changed to the trumpets, creating that characteristic sound of today.
Already around 1930, these musical groups had adopted the use of the charro suit in their presentations, making certain modifications that have not been well received by authentic charros.
Although many people confuse them, there are key differences between these outfits. In the first instance, charro suits are better in terms of the quality of their materials and the details of their elaboration.
While the shirts of the charros have precise cuts with silver or gold buttons, those of the mariachis are generally bought in department stores. Also, the hats are different.
The charro hat has four deep dents in the crown and the back brim is rolled up.
Mariachi hats stand up in the front, roll up at the top, and have only two dents in the crown.
References
- Condra, J. (2013). Encyclopedia of National Dress: Traditional Clothing Around the World. California: ABC-CLIO.
- Stern, J. and Stern, M. (2002). El Charro Cafe Cookbook. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
- Fun facts about the charro suit (2016, September 30). In Watch News.com.mx. Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from watchnews.com.mx.
- Vigil; A. (2000). The Eagle on the Cactus: Traditional Stories from Mexico. Colorado: Libraries Unlimited.
- Hargrove, S. (2013). Costumes of Old Mexico Carselle & Poveda Souvenir Dolls. North Carolina: Lulu.com.