TYPICAL COSTUMES OF VERACRUZ: MAIN CHARACTERISTICS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

Among the typical costumes of Veracruz the most common is the jarocho, with its male and female variants. In the case of men, it is made up of a guayabera and pants; women wear a blouse, a cloak and a skirt.

It is a tradition that the costumes are made by hand, in order to preserve the roots of the community. The Mexican city of Tlacotalpan is recognized for the manufacture of jarocho costumes, especially its female variant.

This costume shows the miscegenation process that took place during the Conquest and the Colony, since it mixes European and aboriginal elements.

The female costume is similar to the dresses that were used in the Spanish cities of Valencia and Andalusia.

The cloak used in the Veracruz costume is also a European heritage and was used in both Spain and France.

From the aborigines they take some accessories. For example, the men wear a straw hat, which is a sample of indigenous crafts.

These costumes are worn by artists of different types: from dancers to singers. Above all it is used in the dances in which the son jorocho dominates, which is the traditional music of the state.

You may also be interested in the typical traditions of Veracruz.

Main features

Jarocho female costume

The typical costume of the Veracruz woman is composed of a skirt and a blouse. Both garments are made in white fabric.

Skirt

The jarocha skirt is white and wide. Various motifs such as flowers and garlands, among others, are embroidered on the fabric.

These embroideries were used in Spain between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, especially in the cities of Valencia and Andalusia.

The skirt is usually longer at the back than at the front. However, if it is to be used in artistic presentations, the cut of the skirt should not be uneven but rounded.

Layers are usually added to add volume to this garment.

Blouse

The blouse of the jarocha suit is white. The neck has a V-cut, like the lower part of the garment that ends in a point. For this reason it resembles a poncho.

At the bottom of the blouse there is a frayed lace. This is the name of the set of fringes that hang from the lower edges of the garment.

This lace is not white, but it is a striking color; yellow, red and orange are the most common colors.

Shoes

The shoes used are white, as are the blouse and skirt. The style may vary depending on the purpose for which the suit is to be used.

For example, some ballerinas prefer flat sneakers while others wear high heels.

Apron

A black velvet apron is placed over the skirt. This accessory is adorned with embroidered flowers and Valencian lace.

The embroidered threads are usually yellow, red and white, so that they stand out on the black fabric.

Shawl or mantle

Women usually wear a silk shawl that is placed on the head or on the arms.

This can be white or light in color (sky blue, pale pink, or yellow). Like the skirt, this element was used in Europe between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries.

Mantilla

This is a much more delicate cloak than the shawl. It is made with tulle fabric, on which flowers and other decorative designs are embroidered.

The mantilla is tied around the neck with a clasp.

Bouquet of roses

This accessory is worn on the woman's head. The position of the bouquet will vary depending on the marital status.

If the woman is married, the roses are placed on the right side. If you are single, they will be on the left side.

Hand fan

This accessory is adorned with lace and colored ribbons. Some are so elaborate that they show designs embroidered with silk threads, such as flowers, cities, among others.

Other minor accessories include bracelets, gold necklaces, and a tortoiseshell hair band and comb.

Male jarocho suit

The typical man's suit is made up of two main elements: a trousers and a guayabera-type shirt. Also use some accessories.

The jorocho costume is used not only by dancers but also by musicians and singers. In fact, many traditional Mexican music bands have adopted this dress as a kind of official uniform.

Trousers

The trousers are white with a simple cut. It has a pocket on the sides but not on the back.

Sometimes fringes are added to the sides of the pants. However, this element is not part of the traditional costume of Veracruz.

Guayabera shirt

The shirt of the jorocho suit is white, guayabera type. In the front it has two or four pockets.

It also features a series of folds called tucks. At the back it has six of these folds, while at the front it only has four.

Shoes

The shoes used are white. These usually have a heel of four to six centimeters.

accessories

The suit is completed with a bandana, which is the name given to the scarf that is placed around the neck.

This accessory is red. This scarf is tied with a gold ring, which stands out against the red.

A palm hat is also added, the use of which was a tradition among the aboriginal groups in the area. This element reflects the indigenous influence.

References

1. Culture of Veracruz. Retrieved on November 16, 2017, from explorandomexico.com
2. Retrieved on November 16, 2017, from wikipedia.org
3. Jarocho's Soul: Cultural Identity and Afro-Mexican Dance. Retrieved on November 16, 2017, from books.google.com
4. They are jarocho. Retrieved on November 16, 2017, from wikipedia.org
5. Son Jarocho: A Musical Style That Unites Mexican-Americans. Retrieved on November 16, 2017, from npr.org
6. Son Jarocho from Veracruz: Exploration of Music and Dance. Retrieved on November 16, 2017, from folkways.si.edu
7. The Course of Mexican Music. Retrieved on November 16, 2017, from books.google.co.ve