Folklórico

Folklórico

Folklórico is a traditional Mexican dance form that showcases our country’s diverse cultural heritage through colorful costumes and lively music. 

With its fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences, Folklórico plays a significant role in preserving and celebrating Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, gaining international recognition and popularity.

The attire worn features elaborate and vibrant costumes that vary based on the region and dance being performed. Each costume is crafted to represent the unique cultural identity of that specific region.

Folklórico encompasses a diverse array of dance styles, each representing different regions of Mexico. Each dance reflects the distinct traditions, rhythms, and stories of the communities from which they originated. 

Jarabe Tapatío, often referred to as the Mexican hat dance, is the national dance of Mexico. It originated as a courtship dance in Guadalajara, Jalisco, during the 19th century.

The earliest evidence of the dance comes from the late 18th century. It was originally danced by female couples in order to avoid the disapproval of the church. Shortly before the Mexican War of Independence, mixed couples began to perform it, with a public performance at the Coliseo Theater in 1790 in Mexico City.

Shortly after that performance, the jarabe was banned by colonial and religious authorities "under the severe penalties of excommunication, some ducats of penalty and lots of stripes, to any person that compose or sing or dance" as it was considered to be morally offensive and a challenge to Spain's control over the territory. 

However, this only served to make the dance more popular as a form of protest and rebellion, with people holding illegal dances in public squares and neighborhood festivals. It became symbolic of the Mexican peoples dissent.