TYPICAL COSTUMES OF TLAXCALA: MOST RELEVANT CHARACTERISTICS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

There are various typical costumes in Tlaxcala. Many of these are directly associated with dances from this Mexican state, while others are used as symbols of the Tlaxcala culture.

The best known costume is a feminine one, which is made up of a white blouse adorned with colored embroidery, a light-colored cloak called a cap and a long black skirt.

This skirt is distinctive as it is decorated with vertical ribbons of various colors. Said ribbons can be made of sequins or they can be embroidered in silk threads.

On the other hand, the traditional men's suit consists of shorts and a white shirt over which a black vest is placed.

The man also wears a cape embroidered with silk threads or sequins combined with the woman's skirt and a hat adorned with exotic bird feathers.

The Mexican state of Tlaxcala is recognized for its culture and for the variety of artistic representations that abound there. Therefore, there are various costumes that reflect the culture of the state.

Many of these costumes are used in dances and particular events in the area. For example, in the parades of the charros, the traditional costume with a wide-brimmed hat is used.

Other typical costumes of the state are those used in the baits dances, which are dances done during carnivals.

The 5 main typical costumes of Tlaxcala

1- Traditional women's clothing

The traditional clothing for women is composed of a white blouse, a black skirt and a shawl or cloak, called tápalo.

The blouse has decorations on the sleeves and on the neck. These are embroidered in bold colored threads, such as red, yellow or orange.

The skirt is black and long, it covers up to the ankles. It is adorned with a series of vertical colored stripes, which cover much of the black fabric. These fringes are made with sequins or embroidered with silk threads.

The shawl covers part of the woman's head and arms. It is usually white or light in color and is adorned with embroidery. In some cases, the shawl is held on the head with a crown of flowers.

2- Traditional men's clothing

The quintessential men's suit is made up of shorts, which reach four inches above the ankle.

The shirt is unadorned white. Over this she puts on a black vest embroidered with gold threads.

The most particular element of the men's suit is a black cape that is embroidered with threads of many colors or adorned with sequins. This cape matches the skirt of the feminine suit.

To complete the man's clothing, a hat is added that is adorned with feathers of different colors.

3- Carnival dance costumes

During the carnivals of Tlaxcala, various dances are performed. Each of these has a typical costume.

Warrior baits

The warrior bait is a dance in which the fight between the aborigines and the Spanish is represented.

Two clothes are used in this dance: one for the aboriginal warriors and another for the Spanish.

The aborigines have a costume composed of a plume with feathers of various birds, mainly pheasant and rooster. They wear shorts, above the knee, made of black velvet.

For their part, the Spaniards wear an elegant white shirt, khaki pants and tanned leather boots that reach the knee. They also wear wooden masks on which white faces are painted.

Dance of the ribbons

Two costumes are used for the ribbon dance: one male and one female.

The men's suit consists of a simple unicolor shirt and shorts that reach the knee.

The most relevant accessory of this dress is a palm hat that is adorned with ostrich feathers.

For its part, the female costume consists of a white blouse embroidered with silk thread, a unicolor skirt and a shawl or cloak that covers her hair and part of her arms.

Catrines baits

The costume used in the dance of the catrines shows the French influence. In fact, the dancers wear wooden masks with French faces painted on them.

The suit consists of a top hat adorned with a colored ribbon, dark colored frock coat and pants, and a long cape that reaches the ankles.

Bullfighters of San Miguel Tenancingo

In the dance of the bullfighters of San Miguel Tenancingo, the men dress in a white shirt, khaki pants, a dark-colored jacket and a wide-brimmed hat. The costume is completed with a cardboard mask.

4- Costume of the dance of the Moors and Christians

The dance of the Moors and Christians is one of the most popular in all of Mexico. This dance represents the struggle that took place between the Spanish and the Arabs during the 15th century. Therefore, two costumes are used: one for the Arabs and one for the Spanish.

The Arab costume is black, with a cape that covers a large part of the body and a headdress that covers the hair.

For its part, the Spanish suit is red. The highlight is a long cape embroidered with a white cross.

5- Costumes of the charro parades

Charro parades are a tradition in the state of Tlaxcala. Both men and women participate in this type of event, so there are two traditional clothing.

Men's clothing is the better known of the two. In fact, it is a symbol not only of the state but also of the country.

The charro costume is made up of a white shirt, black pants, a short black vest with gold thread trimmings, a black jacket with gold fringes, leather boots and gloves, and the typical wide-brimmed hat with gold trim.

The woman's costume is a simple dress, similar to that used in the Spanish colonies at the end of the 19th century.

References

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