Mexico, a vibrant tapestry of cultures and traditions, expresses its soul through a rich array of dances. From spirited celebrations to solemn rituals, these Typical Mexican Dances, deeply rooted in history and regional diversity, offer a captivating glimpse into the heart of the nation. Across the Mexican Republic, each state boasts unique folkloric dances, born from the land and reflecting the spirit of its people. These dances are more than just steps; they are living stories passed down through generations of proud Mexicans.
You’ve likely witnessed the spectacle of Mexican traditional dances at lively festivals, perhaps during the patriotic fervor of September 15th or the revolutionary commemorations of November 20th. Maybe you’ve encountered them at local civic events or vibrant community parties. These are the “Typical Dances of Mexico,” a testament to the country’s artistic heritage. Numerous schools, academies, and ballet folklórico groups dedicate themselves to preserving and showcasing these regional dance forms, ensuring their continued vibrancy on stages both within Mexico and internationally. Every aspect, from the intricate costumes and hairstyles adorned with braids and flowers to the very manner of performance, speaks volumes about the enduring legacy of Mexican culture.
For those new to the world of Mexican folkloric dances, prepare to be enchanted. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of Mexican dance styles, exploring their origins, distinctive clothing, and the stories they tell.
Folkloric dancers in vibrant costumes performing a typical Mexican dance
You might already recognize some of these iconic Mexican dance styles, or perhaps their melodies have reached your ears. Let’s embark on a deeper exploration of these beloved dances, starting with a journey through some of the most internationally acclaimed examples.
1. Jarabe Tapatío: The National Dance of Mexico, Jalisco
Hailing from the picturesque state of Jalisco, Jarabe Tapatío emerged in the late 19th century and has since become a beloved symbol of Mexican identity. This lively folk dance is not just celebrated within Mexico; it’s often considered the “National Dance of Mexico,” achieving international recognition through appearances in films and commercials, becoming synonymous with Mexican culture worldwide.
Typically performed to the rousing melodies of mariachi music, Jarabe Tapatío showcases a spirited courtship between dancers, characterized by playful footwork and flirtatious interactions on stage. It’s a vibrant display of Mexican charm and tradition.
Jalisco Costume – Jarabe Tapatío: Elegance and Charro Style
The traditional attire for women in Jarabe Tapatío performances is striking and colorful. They wear long, flowing dresses with wide skirts and long sleeves, adorned with vibrant ribbons. Footwear consists of mid-calf boots, typically in white or black. Hair is elaborately styled with braids and further embellished with ribbons and bows, completing the elegant look.
Men’s costumes are equally impressive, featuring the iconic charro suit. This ensemble includes pants with buttons down the sides and on the jacket front, worn over a white shirt with a brightly colored bow tie that stands stiffly at the neck. Black boots and the quintessential charro hat, recognized throughout Mexico, complete the charro look, embodying a sense of Mexican pride and tradition. “Arriba Jalisco!” as they say, celebrating the spirit of Jalisco and its emblematic dance.
2. Polka Norteña: A Fusion of European and Mexican Rhythms, Northern Mexico
The Polka Norteña, a lively and energetic dance style, finds its roots in European traditions, specifically from German immigrants who arrived in northern Mexico and southern Texas in the mid-19th century. These immigrants brought with them their musical instruments, including accordions, saxophones, and the bajo sexto, and their distinctive polka rhythm, originally a refined ballroom dance performed in pairs.
However, the Polka’s journey took an intriguing turn in Mexico. Indigenous communities observed these European dances among the upper classes and began to adopt the style, imbuing it with a distinctly Mexican flair. This adaptation led to the creation of the “Mexican Polka,” a vibrant and unique genre that, along with the “Mexican Corrido,” became emblematic of the northern states of Mexico. States such as Chihuahua, Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Sonora, and Coahuila, among other border states and those within the Northern Zone, are strongholds of this energetic dance form.
Northern Polka Suit: Cowboy Chic and Regional Flair
Women’s costumes for the Polka Norteña vary, often featuring skirts paired with blouses or long, flowing dresses with wide skirts, usually in a single color and adorned with ribbons. These dresses are typically long-sleeved with a high neckline trimmed with lace. A long ribbon cinches the waist, tied into a large bow at the back. Completing the outfit are mid-calf boots, often in white or black, and a hairstyle featuring a high bun topped with a decorative bow.
Men’s attire reflects a cowboy aesthetic, typically consisting of jeans or cowboy pants paired with a long-sleeved checkered shirt. A fringed jacket and a handkerchief tied loosely around the neck add to the rugged charm. A northern hat and cowboy boots finalize the look, embodying the spirit of the Mexican north.
3. La Bamba: The Soul of Veracruz, Veracruz
From the coastal state of Veracruz, renowned as the birthplace of Son Jarocho, comes La Bamba, an iconic and deeply representative Mexican folk dance. Alongside La Bruja and Colás, La Bamba stands as a symbol of Veracruz’s vibrant cultural identity. The rhythmic heart of Son Jarocho and dances like La Bamba is driven by instruments such as the harp, guitar, and marimba, creating a soundscape that is uniquely Veracruzano.
Among these celebrated dances, La Bamba holds a special place, often hailed as the “Hymn of Veracruz” due to its instantly recognizable rhythm and captivating choreography. Typically performed by a single couple, La Bamba is rooted in a traditional song of Mexican origin and has gained international fame.
But the origins of this celebrated dance are fascinating. La Bamba emerged from a fusion of Spanish dance styles, namely Seguidillas and Fandangos, with Cuban rhythms like Zapateados and Guajiras. Veracruz, being the first port of arrival for the Spanish in the late 17th century, became a melting pot of cultural influences, giving birth to this unique dance.
Veracruz Costume – La Bamba: White Elegance with Florishes of Color
The costumes for La Bamba are a visual spectacle. Women wear long, wide, and flowing white skirts, richly embellished with lace. The blouses, also white, match the skirt and are typically sleeveless, creating a pristine canvas. A black velvet apron, adorned with vibrant floral embroidery, is worn over the skirt, complemented by a red handkerchief tucked to one side. A beautifully embroidered or silk shawl drapes over the blouse, and a red fringed shawl adds a final flourish.
Accessories play a crucial role in the women’s attire, including a white “abanico” (fan), bracelets, large gold earrings, and striking gold necklaces. The hair is styled in a high bun, encircled by a braid, and adorned with colorful flowers, a red bow, and a decorative comb, completing the elaborate and elegant look.
Men’s costumes are simpler yet equally distinctive. They wear white pants and a white long-sleeved guayabera shirt. A red scarf tied around the neck adds a pop of color. White boots and a palm hat complete the traditional Jarocho look, embodying the spirit of Veracruz. “Those are the Jarochos!” celebrating the people and vibrant traditions of Veracruz.
4. Flor de Piña: The Pineapple Harvest Dance, Oaxaca
While perhaps less known internationally than some other Mexican dances, Flor de Piña is a deeply significant and representative dance of the state of Oaxaca. You might have glimpsed it at cultural performances or civic events, but the story behind its creation is quite remarkable.
Flor de Piña originated in San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, a municipality in Oaxaca. It was conceived in 1958 by Governor Alfonso Pérez Gasga, who felt that the Jarocho costumes were not representative of Oaxaca. He commissioned an indigenous choreography to accompany the musical piece “Flor de Piña,” composed by Oaxacan musician Don Samuel Mondragón.
Teacher Paulina Solís was entrusted with creating the choreography we know today. Exclusively danced by women, Flor de Piña is said to represent the indigenous women of Tuxtepec and is believed to symbolize “the joy of being a woman for the good harvest of the pineapple.” It is a celebration of femininity and agricultural abundance.
Oaxaca Costume – Flor de Piña: Huipiles and Pineapple Pride
In terms of attire, the women in Flor de Piña wear huipiles, traditional tunics, featuring diverse designs, shapes, and vibrant colors. Leather huaraches are the typical footwear. Hairstyles consist of two long braids adorned with ribbons of various colors. The most distinctive element, of course, is the pineapple carried on the shoulder, also decorated with colorful ribbons, symbolizing the dance’s connection to the pineapple harvest and the spirit of Oaxaca.
5. Dance of the Old Men (Los Viejitos): Humorous Homage to the Old God, Michoacán
The Dance of the Old Men, or Los Viejitos, is another widely recognized and internationally celebrated Mexican dance. Originating from the state of Michoacán, specifically the town of Jarácuaro, this spectacular dance is believed to have pre-Hispanic roots, possibly stemming from rituals honoring Huehuetéotl, the Old God or God of Fire.
Exclusively performed by men disguised as elderly men, the Dance of the Old Men is characterized by its humorous and energetic movements, contrasting with the appearance of age and frailty. The costumes represent the Purépecha region, and the dance is a popular feature at festivities throughout the year, particularly during Christmas, New Year, and Candelaria Day celebrations.
Michoacán Costume – Dance of the Old Men: Rustic Charm and Playful Disguise
The costume for Los Viejitos is both simple and iconic. Men wear white cloth or blanket pants, over which they drape a serape, also known as a jorongo, a type of blanket-like garment. A mask depicting the face of an old man conceals the dancer’s identity, and a cane in hand adds to the aged persona. A handkerchief tied around the head and a hat adorned with colorful ribbons complete the look. Leather huaraches serve as traditional footwear, grounding the costume in rustic charm.
6. Dance of the Deer: A Yaqui and Mayo Ritual, Sonora
The Dance of the Deer holds deep pre-Hispanic origins, initially a ritualistic practice of the Yaqui and Mayo indigenous peoples of Sonora. Performed before and after deer hunts, the dance honored the deer, an animal revered and admired by these communities.
The instrumentation for the Dance of the Deer is minimal, consisting solely of a flute and a water drum, creating a haunting and evocative soundscape. The dance involves three distinct characters: the deer, the pascola, and the coyote.
The dancer portraying the deer wears a headdress consisting of a black or white cloth with a stuffed deer head, often adorned with colorful ribbons. The upper body is bare, with only a leather loincloth for lower body covering. Rattles are attached to the ankles and large rattles are held in the hands, enhancing the rhythmic movements.
The pascolas wear a lock of hair on their heads wrapped with a colored ribbon and colorful necklaces in black and white. A painted mask depicting eyebrows, mustaches, and beards covers their face, and they also wear a loincloth. Those embodying coyotes wear a serape or jorongo and a plume of eagle feathers on their heads, resembling indigenous headdresses. A bow is carried in hand, symbolizing the hunt for the deer.
Sonora Costume – Dance of the Deer: Indigenous Ritual and Animalistic Representation
The description in the original article for the Sonora costume seems to mistakenly repeat the Michoacan “Dance of the Old Men” costume description. The correct attire for the Deer Dance characters is described in the paragraph above, highlighting the loincloths, deer head headdress, rattles for the deer dancer, and the pascola and coyote characters’ specific adornments. The key elements are the animalistic representation and indigenous ritualistic garments, contrasting sharply with the “Old Men” attire.
7. Jarana Yucateca: Festive Revelry from the Yucatán Peninsula, Yucatán
The Jarana Yucateca, originating from the Yucatán peninsula in southern Mexico, is another highly celebrated dance. If you find yourself visiting Yucatán, particularly Mérida, make sure to experience the Sunday festivities in front of the municipal palace, where you can witness dances like “La Cabeza de Cochino” (The Pig’s Head Dance), “Chinito Koy Koy,” and many others.
This dance style, known as mestizo jarana, is typically performed in couples and emerged between the 17th and 18th centuries during the Spanish colonial era. The term “Jarana” itself is said to have originated during Spanish festivities. When the revelry began, it was announced that “la Jarana has begun.” Indigenous communities adopted this term, believing it referred to a specific musical rhythm played at parties, thus giving rise to the Jarana Yucateca and developing their unique style and rhythm.
Yucatan Costume – Jarana Mestiza: White Simplicity with Embroidered Details
Women’s costumes for the Jarana Yucateca feature a huipil, a white dress or tunic, adorned with hand-embroidered floral decorations, often around the square neckline and hem. Low-heeled white shoes, sometimes also decorated with hand-embroidered flowers, complete the footwear. Shawls are often draped over the arms. Gold necklaces and earrings serve as elegant accessories. The hair is styled in a chongo (bun) adorned with colorful flowers.
Men’s attire is characterized by white pants and a white shirt, or a long-sleeved guayabera, a traditional lightweight shirt. A red scarf adds a touch of color, and leather sandals are worn. A hat completes the ensemble, resulting in a clean and classic Yucatecan look.
What do you think of this exploration of typical Mexican dances? Do you feel like tapping your feet to the rhythms? Which one is your favorite?
¡Viva México!
