One of the traditions and customs of Aguascalientes more remarkable is the fair of San Marcos. This fair takes place from mid-April to May in the gardens of San Marcos.
Other traditions of Aguascalientes are bullfights that, despite being morally questionable in recent times, have been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
With regard to handicrafts, in Aguascalientes, handicrafts such as the hat, cowboy costume, wood carving, onyx decorations, ceramics and clay pieces, among others.
In reference to the religious traditions, the most relevant are the Fair of the Assumption (in honor to the invocation of the Virgin Mary) and the fair of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The gastronomy of the region is very sophisticated and shows the influence of Spanish and Aboriginal cuisine.
The most outstanding dishes are the bricks, the pozole, the tacos, the tamales and the chicken of San Marcos.
Traditions and customs of Aguascalientes
1- Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Aguascalientes is strongly influenced by the Spanish cuisine and the indigenous traditions.
The dishes of Aguascalientes are part of the cultural identity of Mexico , such as tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, guacamole, gorditas, among others. One of the most recognized dishes is the chili of Aguascalientes.
In this region, livestock are practiced. For this reason, many of Aguascalientes's dishes include beef, lamb and pork.
The pozole, the barbecue of the loin, the piglet (which is a young pork baked and seasoned with pineapple, apple and olives), the roast lamb (leg of lamb stuffed with rice and spices), the toasts of cueritos of pork in vinegar (skin of fried and crispy pork) and the roasted goat.
The sweets of Aguascalientes are characterized by the crystallization of fruits and vegetables with brown or white sugar molasses.
Desserts include candied fruits and nuts, coconut candy, churros (sweet fried wheat dough), amaranth and pumpkin candy, fritters and puddings. Other desserts in the area are:
- The bricks, which are sweet pancakes made with wheat flour, butter and sugar.
- The condoches, which are cornbread.
Among the most outstanding drinks is chia seed water, hibiscus flower water, horchata and pot-brown coffee.
Similarly, Aguascalientes is known for the production of alcoholic beverages, especially table wines, brandy, brandy and fermented fruit drinks. Pulque, mead and calanche are examples of traditional drinks of this state.
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2- San Marcos National Fair
The San Marcos fair is held every year from mid-April to May, and lasts for 23 days. This fair unfolds in the gardens of San Marcos.
During these 23 days, hundreds of celebrations are made. Among these is the spring parade, which is a procession involving more than 90000 people in colorful costumes.
In addition to this, concerts are held in which national and international artists participate. Other activities that can be developed during the fair of San Marcos are rodeos, cockfights, bullfights, bets, among others.
In addition, amusement parks and gastronomic fairs with typical dishes of Aguascalientes and Mexico are installed.
Some of the dishes that can be found in this fair are tacos, tamales, enchiladas, muletas, mole, gorditas, fritters, churros, among others.
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3- Fair of the Dead
The Fair of the Dead takes place between 31 October and 2 November. However, in some places is extended for a full week.
During this period, skeletons and skulls made of sugar, pumpkin candy, dead bread and egg salad are common.
The general mood is one of joy and celebration, as a way of counteracting the pain of death and mourning.
In Aguascalientes, clay skulls are made and the names of deceased relatives and friends are written.
The last day of the De los Muertos fair moves the celebration to the local cemeteries and takes food to share with the deceased.
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4- The fair of the Assumption
The fair of the Assumption is made in August. The center of the celebration is the exhibition of products of the region: peaches, grapes, guavas, wines and candies made with crystallized fruits.
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5- The fair of the Lord of the Oak
This fair takes place between 4 and 14 November. Its object is to worship the black Christ that is preserved in the Church of Oak.
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6- Regional corn fair
The corn fair is celebrated between the 5th and the 8th of January. During these days, commemorates the agrarian reform of January 6, 1915. The celebration includes races of donkeys and exhibitions of agricultural products.
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7- Fair of Santiago Apostle
The Fair of St. James the Apostle is made on July 25 of each year. During this day, we remember the struggle between Moors and Christians, while celebrating the victory of the latter.
In addition to the dramatizations, there are bullfights and cockfights. The traditional dance of this fair is the dance of the little girls.
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8- Fair of the virgin of Guadalupe
This fair takes place between 4 and 12 December. The celebrations include fireworks displays, indigenous dances and gastronomic fairs.
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9- Regional Agriculture Fair
The regional agriculture fair takes place on the third Sunday of January. During this fair, there are exhibitions of cattle, agricultural products and handicrafts. In addition to this, there are cockfights, bullfights and traditional dances.
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10- Fair of the Lord of Tepezal
The fair of the Lord of Tepezal is celebrated during the last week of May. This feast is made in honor of the saint who gives the name to the city of Aguascalientes: Tepezalá.
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References
- Traditions. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from aguascalientes.gob.mx
- Aguascalientes. Retrieved on August 30, 2017 from history.com
- State of Aguascalientes. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from visitmexico.com
- The San Marcos Fair in Aguascalientes. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from mexiconewsnetwork.com
- April in Aguascalientes. Retrieved on August 30, 2017, from mexconnect.com
- Aguascalientes today. Recovered on August 30, 2017, from vivaaguascalientes.com
- Celebrating Latino Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Cultural Traditions. Retrieved August 30, 2017, from books.google.com