Although the Spanish tried to do away with traditional Mexican dances (which often reflected the country’s indigenous, African and European heritage) they were unsuccessful. Therefore, and with the aid of strong national pride, heavy government investment and the establishment of institutions such as the Ballet Folklórico de México, traditional Mexican dances continue to thrive. Here’s our guide to the 5 traditional dances you should know.
* Jarabe TapatíoWe’re kicking off our guide with what is easily the most internationally well-known and arguably the most patriotic of all of Mexico’s traditional dances—the Jarabe Tapatío. Typically, and weirdly, referred to as the Mexican Hat Dance in English, Mexico’s national dance is intricately linked with national pride. One aspect that possibly aids the enduring popularity of this courtship dance (aside from Anna Pavlova’s en pointe version) are the distinctly Mexican outfits; the male dancer wears a charro suit and the female dancer a china poblana dress.
* La ConquistaLa Conquista is a traditional Mexican dance that, unsurprisingly, narrates the story of the Spanish conquest. Masked dancers play all of the key historical players, from Hernán Cortés and La Malinche to Moctezuma, before depicting the death of the latter at the hands of the former. It’s particularly popular in the western states of Michoacán and Jalisco, and although it’s not an indigenous dance, the tragic story it depicts is more than important in terms of Mexican history.
* Danza de los ViejitosPopular in the state of Michoacán is the Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Little Old Men). Technically, this dance was created and popularized in the 20th century, but its roots and rhythm are rooted firmly in traditional folk dance. This dance is notable for the wooden shoes worn by the dancers, which certainly make each step they take that much more impactful. Traditional instruments and indigenous clothing are also featured in the Danza de los Viejitos, which often finds itself compared to a similar dance known as Huehuenches or Huehues.
* Danza del VenadoAnother one of Mexico’s ritualistic dances is the Danza del Venado (Deer Dance), which depicts the story of a deer hunt and is typically performed around springtime. Originating in the Yaqui regions of Sonora and Sinaloa, renditions of this practically unchanged and unaltered dance are now performed across the country and even in parts of the U.S. The great thing about the Danza del Venado is that it’s instantly identifiable; the dancers wear real or imitation antlers on their heads with red ribbon accents.
* Los Voladores de PapantlaAnother iconic dance is Los Voladores de Papantla, which is considered by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Prepare to be terrified, because the event begins with all five participants scaling a 30-meter high pole, from which four of them then proceed to drop; one lucky member remains at the top playing a flute and drum. Attached only by a rope, they gently twirl, spin and descend to the ground, as their presumably very dizzy compatriot at the top continues to play his instruments.