The traditions and customs of Guerrero are proof of the cultural diversity of the region. Aboriginal cultures such as the Mixtecos, the Tlapanecos, the Nahuas and the Amuzgos converge in this area.
Likewise, there are groups of mestizos descended from Spaniards and Africans. Each of these groups brings distinctive elements that make Guerrero a region rich in traditions.
Among the traditions of this region, the dances stand out. Some of these are the dance of the tlacoloteros, the dance of the devils, the dance of the vultures, the dance of the tecuano, the dance of the gachupines, the dance of the seven vices, the dance of the Palomo Guerrero, the dance of the drummers, the dance of the maizos and the dance of the fish.
Moreover, the region is known for its pottery. Many craftsmen of Guerrero realize vessels, vases and plates in clay, which represent a true work of art.
Main traditions and customs of Guerrero
1- Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Guerrero is very varied. This is due in large measure to the presence of various indigenous groups (Mixtec, Tlapanecos, Nahuas, Amuzgos) and Hispano-Descendant and Afrodescendent mestizo groups.
Likewise, the fact that the state presents coastal areas and mountainous areas makes gastronomy vary from one city to another.
In the coastal zone of Guerrero, many of the dishes include marine products: fish, seafood, seaweed, among others. On the other hand, in the high areas of the state, products such as pork and goat meat are used.
Some of the typical dishes of the region are:
- Fish head broth (coastal area). It is a soup prepared only with the heads of some fish. Season with cilantro and onions.
- Morisqueta (coastal area). It is a dish based on rice and black beans.
- Plum chile (highlands). This dish is prepared with pork, which is filled with fresh plums and green chiles.
- Filling (highlands). It is a small pig, which is filled with pineapple slices, olives, potatoes, carrots and bananas. The stuffed pork is baked for about 12 hours and then accompanied with tortillas and rice.
- Chapulines. Dish prepared with seasoned grasshoppers.
- Beaten up. Pork fried in coriander broth, cumin and garlic.
Some of the most recognized sweets in this state are:
- Joy, which is prepared with toasted seeds of amaranth and sugar.
- Peanut stick, made with peanuts, roasted corn and brown sugar.
- Gollería, prepared with milk, vanilla, whipped egg whites, cinnamon and sugar.
The most representative drink of the state is the tuba. This is prepared with fermented juice of palm, pineapple, lemon and chili.
You may be interested The 40 Most Common Mexican Foods .
2- Holy Week
Because Mexico is a Catholic nation, celebrations are held in many parts of the country for Holy Week. The celebration of Holy Week in the city Taxco of the state of Guerrero stands out.
In Taxco, the processions of Holy Week include dramatizations that revive the passion of Christ. Added to this, are organized confraternities composed by people who self-flagellate to recall the suffering of Jesus before his death.
You may be interested The 20 Most Important Mexican Traditions and Customs .
3- The burning of the bad
On September 29, the burning of the bad guy in Guerrero takes place. The bad guy is a doll made with dried flowers, straw and other materials.
After the spirit has been burned, the houses are adorned with crosses of fresh flowers. It is considered that these crosses protect the houses of the evil spirits.
You may be interested Mexican Culture: 15 Features and Traditions .
4- Pottery
One of the most outstanding artistic traditions of Guerrero is pottery. Local craftsmen mix clay with cotton fabrics to produce vases, vases, pots, sculptures, among others. These creations are decorated with paint, stones, among others.
In some areas, Aboriginal techniques are conserved in the development of pottery, which gives cultural value to creations.
You may be interested What are the Important Dates for October in Mexico?
5- Music
Due to the different ethnic groups and cultures present in the state of Guerrero, the music varies from one region to another.
However, there are some rhythms that are typical in many parts of the state, such as heat and son.
Guerrero has also been the cradle of great singers and composers. Among them are Margarito Damián Vargas, who composed more than 200 songs (Ondas del Pacífico, Adiós Acapulco, among others).
Other musicians from Guerrero are Antonio Delgado, Aurelio Galindo, Juan Bartola Tavira, José Agustín Ramírez Altamirano and Joan Sebastian.
You may be interested 7 Cultural Manifestations of Mexico Representative .
6- The Dance of the Tlacoloteros
This dance originates from the central region of Guerrero. It is practiced in Taxco, Chilpancingo, Iguala and Atlixtac.
This dance represents a struggle between the evil spirits and the tlacoloteros, who are the owners of the corn fields. In general terms, the dance develops as follows: the tlacoloteros persecute the spirits and expel them from the corn fields.
Evil spirits are represented by naguals, which means tigers. The dance consists of 15 dancers.
You may be interested 10 Customs and Traditions of Coahuila (Mexico) .
7- The Dance of the Devils
This dance represents the struggle between good and evil. It has educational purposes, as it teaches viewers what is right and what is not.
Devil Dance is a fusion of Aboriginal Mexican cultures and African cultures. It is typical of the Costa Chica region of Guerrero.
You may be interested The 5 Most Popular Guadalajara Traditions .
8- Dance of the Tecuano
The dance of the Tecuano is practiced mainly in Tuxpan, in Ciudad Altamirano and in Huitzuci. This dance represents how a group of men hunt a tiger.
You may be interested What is celebrated in November in Mexico?
9- Papaquis
In Tixtla, Guerrero, the"papaquis"is sung instead of"Las mañanitas"during the birthdays.
You may be interested The 10 Most Important Traditional Mexican Festivals .
10- The weddings in Costa Grande
In Costa Grande (one of the regions of Guerrero), weddings present an element that differentiates them from weddings in other areas. Instead of grooms offering a free banquet for guests, guests must pay for what they eat.
You may be interested How did people live during the viceroyalty of Mexico?
References
- Warrior. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from wikipedia.org.
- Guerrero culture. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from explorandomexico.com.
- Holidays and Traditions in Guerrero. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from guerrero.travel.
- The State of Guerrero is Full of Rich History, Culture and Ethnic Diversity. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from imagine-mexico.com.
- Traditional Foods of Guerrero. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from backyardnature.net.
- Warrior. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from history.com.