The dances and dances typical of Zacatecas , like all its cultural expressions, are a product of European influence as a result of the mining boom of this region, during the times of colonization.
The folkloric of Zacatecas in its dance expression recalls the Mexico of yesteryear, especially the mining town in the times of the economic bonanza.
Dances and typical dances of Zacatecas
The zacatecan patronal, religious and civic festivities have among their main attractions the different colorful and cheerful typical dances, autochthonous expressions of the cultural richness of this important Mexican state.
5 Dances and typical dances of Zacatecas
1. The dance of Mexicapan
It is the most recognized folkloric manifestation of the state. It represents the soul of the people and reflects the character of the Zacatecan: strong, gallant and braggart.
This dance was created in 1947, inspired by the poetry of the vate from Zacatecas Severo Amador Sandoval.
It is a medley that consists of six melodies: La Jesusa, Las Barrancas, La Varsoviana, La Botella, Los Barreteros and the Green Devil.
Originally it was played by a typical set of strings, today it is accompanied with a tamborazo.
To the beat of the music, the dancer with exaggerated movements woos the lady and together they spontaneously dance performing improvised movements that evoke the joy and emotionality of the Zacatecan of ancient times.
The representative costume of this dance is:
- The men : charro type trousers, white shirt with chest and decorated cuffs, cloth tied to the right side of the hip, black booties and zacatecano hat.
- Women : white blouse with holán of cloth embroidered in colors, skirt of red cloth, white calzonera and black booties.
2. Cuadrillas de Morelos
It is a Zacatecan dance of French origin.
It was created in 1888, inspired by the old and elegant ballroom dances originating in France, typical of high society and characterized by an extravagant costumes.
This type of dance is performed by turns or gangs and in the middle of each change different melodies are played, toasts and recitations are made.
The representative costume of this dance is:
- The men s: charro black pants, white shirt and black tie.
- Women : green blouse with high neck and sleeveless sleeves, pink skirt with halloons, skirt and black satin ankle boots.
3. Jerez syrups
The Jerez sound are joyous traditional dances whose origin goes back to the colonial era.
Composed of zapateadas parts and breaks, the woman shows off her coquetry by executing her skirt in front of the man who courts her during the choreography, regularly with her hands crossed on her back.
The traditional dress of this dance is:
- The men : campero pants, white shirt, charro type vest, bowtie, top hat and booties.
- Women : wide, flowered and brightly colored petticoats, blouse buttoned up to the neck and skirt with hello, colored ribbons on the head and booties.
4. The Dance of the Tastuanes
It is a typical celebration of the municipalities of Zacatecas Juchipila, Jalpa, Moyahua and Apozol that commemorates the indigenous resistance in the 16th century.
From July 23 to 25 of each year, the tastuanes remember the Mixtón war against the Spanish invasion.
This is how dressed in a serape and chaparreras, carrying in their hands deer horns, scorpions and rattlesnakes, with their faces covered by a mask of red ocher wood with white stripes, they dance through the streets in a sign of respect and admiration towards their ancestors.
5. Matlachines dances
They constitute a tradition that pays homage to the Tlaxcalteca Indians who resisted Spanish rule.
In Zacatecas the dances of matlachines vary from region to region, however, in almost all monteras or tufts are used, nagüillas adorned with sequins and canutillos that serve to percutir, ataderas, huaraches of three holes and a rattle that emits a sound similar to the sound of the rattle of a snake.
References
- Regional Dances Zacatecas. (s.f.). Retrieved on October 30, 2017 from: bailezacatecas.galeon.
- Barjau, L. (s.f.). Dance of the Tastuanes. Retrieved on October 30, 2017 from: relatosehistorias.mx.
- Culture of Zacatecas. (s.f.). Retrieved on October 29, 2017 from: explorandomexico.com.mx.
- Letechipia, M. (February 3, 2015). Matlachines: Ritual Dance of the Fiesta Zacatecana. In: ljz.mx.
- Villa, H. (2016). The Baile de Mexicapan: Paradigm of a Tradition. In: sibetrans.com