Mexican Folklore
The Mexican Folklore distinguishes itself with their joy and colorful costumes Mexico is not only know for the diversity of its food but also for their rich culture. In the roots of the Mexican not only the culinary side but also the dance. Before the Spanish arrived the dance was a ritual for the Gods. During the Spanish conquest en through the ages many new expressions arrived in the dance with for example Spanish, African and South American influences. Without forgetting the old traditions that can be seen in many festivities of each city during the many festivities. Mexico has 32 federated entities of which 31 free and sovereign states in their internal regime and one federal district, Mexico-City as capital.
1.Aguascalientes
2.Baja California
3.Baja California Sur
4.Campeche
5.Chiapas
6.Chihuahua
7.Coahuila
8.Colima
9.Durango
10.Guanajuato
11.Guerrero
12.Hidalgo
13.Jalisco
14.Estado de México
15.Michoacán
16.Morelos
17.Nayarit
18.Nuevo León
19.Oaxaca
20.Puebla
21.Querétaro
22.Quintana Roo
23.San Luis Potosí
24.Sinaloa
25.Sonora
26.Tabasco
27.Tamaulipas
28.Tlaxcala
29.Veracruz
30.Yucatán
31.Zacatecas
Mexican Federal District
In every state there are different styles where also the music and dresses are different. There are States with 3 different styles (regions), like Guerrero. However there are also States with around 40 different regions like Oaxaca. Within Mexican folklore there are two different groups: “Danzas “ and “Baile” Danzas have a religious or ceremonial character or are about agricultural cycles, according to the believes in each region, we name this in Spanish “Danzas”
Is is called “Baile” if it refers to repertoire like polka, son etc.
The “Danza” has a more ritual feeling like Danza Azteka, Quetzales or Matlachines. The “Baile” is more a festival like Son de la Negra, Jarabe Nayarita, etc.
During the year there are many festivities organized in Mexico. Each region shows its own traditions. Many festivities have a religious character. Often it are festivities for related to patron of the location. Sometime it is a union of multiple regions with presentations during multiple weeks. This is the case or example at the well known Guelaguetza in Oaxaca. Also in Mexico are joyful festivities like the animal festivity with the famous “Jaripeos”and “Charrerias” Each region has other folkloric dresses, other music and another style of dance performance. Mexico has a very rich culture with much variation.
