Cultura-Culture
Some things are just synonymous with Mexico...
El Charro
Charro is a term used for someone that comes from Salamanca, Spain.
In Mexico, it refers to a traditional horseman. The name probably originates from a Salamancan horseman who arrived and settled in Mexico. This iconic traditional outfit, worn by the Mexican cowboy, was later adopted by Mariachi musicians, but has its roots in the open areas where horsemanship and brute strength were necessary for survival. The utilitarian origin of men's clothing was important since their work was often closely tied to agriculture and ranching.
Today there are different classes of charro suits, with the gala outfit being an acceptable substitute for a tuxedo at formal events in Mexico. The elaborate botonería, or silver buttons and accessories, is quite striking. Another important element of the charro outfit is the sombrero. This hat has a very wide brim, providing the wearer with plenty of shade and protecting them from the heat of the sun. In fact, the name sombrero comes from the Spanish word sombra, which means shade. Mexican cowboys or vaqueros adapted the hats that the Spanish brought with them to create the sombrero we know today.
La Catrina
La Catrina has become the “face” of the Dia de los Muertos holiday – but she was not the first! Mictēcacihuātl – the queen of the Aztec underworld of Chicunamictlan was the central figure for anyone who passed on in the Aztec culture. The Aztec celebrated death as a part of the cycle of life, leaving offerings or temporary altars or “ofrendas” intended to assist them on their journey beyond death. The ofrenda tradition has carried on to present day – combining with Catholic customs around All Saints Day.
La Calavera Catrina was created circa 1910 by Mexican Illustrator, Jose Guadalupe Posada as a reference to the high-society obsession with European customs and by extension, Mexican leader Porfirio Diaz, whose corruption ultimately led to the Mexican Revolution of 1911. Posada’s Calavera dons a fancy hat – in the European style and her name ‘Catrina’ comes from the slang ‘catrin’ which referred to a well-dressed man (Dandy) or woman.
La Pinata
The Piñata can be dated back to Chinese history, when paper figures were filled with seeds, and broken as a way to bring good luck. Marco Pollo saw this celebration in China and brought it back to Italy. In Italian culture it was named pignatta, or “fragile pot” and the piñatas were typically used during the first Sunday in lent, when a fiesta would be held called the “Dance of the Piñata.”
Over time, the piñata started to become more decorative as people began covering it in ribbons and fabrics.
In the 16thcentury, Spanish missionaries who came to North America, used the brightly colored piñatas to attract converts to their ceremonies. However, the Mayans already had a similar tradition, where they hit pots, covered with feathers, with a stick, to release tiny treasures inside. These people, known for their great love of sports, played a game while hitting their version of the piñata, by covering their eyes and hitting the pot while it was suspended with a string.
The traditional star-shaped piñata had seven points symbolizing the seven deadly sins: envy, sloth, gluttony, greed, lust, anger/wrath, and pride.
Mariachi
Mariachi is one of the most popular music genres in Mexico
Like many other music genres that originated in the Americas, Mariachi music was influenced by European, Indigenous, and African sounds. The Spanish brought string instruments with them to Mexico and, while they were originally intended to play during Mass, they soon became popular in secular events.
The first Mariachi melodies originated in the small village of Cocula, in the state of Jalisco, when some local musicians put together a tune in honor of the Virgin of Pila. This new music style quickly gained regional popularity and became a favorite at the haciendas. However, the popular sound of what’s currently known as Mariachi didn’t develop until the 20th century as it evolved from rural music to a national phenomenon tied to Mexico’s National identity.
The charro outfits that are closely associated with this music genre were introduced in the late 19th century when first charro outfit was used during a U.S.-Mexico tour of the Mexican Traditional Orchestra as a symbol of national pride.
