One of the traditions and customs of Durango is the fair of the grape. This is a festival that takes place in the last weeks of July in the municipality Gómez Palacio. Also, in this state is held the fair of the apple.
The gastronomy of Durango is another of its traditions. The typical dishes of this area include pork tenderloin with honey of maguey, rubber hen, deer roast, caldillo with potatoes and the famous duranguense caldillo (which is one of the most representative dishes of the state).
In the same way, Durango is recognized for the production of cheeses, among which Mennonite cheese and ranchero cheese stand out.
Other traditions of the state are the day of the dead, the day of the virgin of Guadalupe, carnival, holy week, Christmas, new year, the day of the dead and the day of innocent saints.
Main traditions and customs of Durango
1- Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Durango is characterized by the use of red meats (from cattle raised in the area) and fish meats (coming from the rivers and lakes of the state).
The traditional dishes of the area are:
- Pork tenderloin with honey of maguey, sweet and sour dish prepared with roasted pork fillets with maguey sauce.
- Caldillo duranguense, which is a soup of fillets seasoned with garlic, tomatoes, onions and hot peppers.
- Caldillo with potatoes, which is a watery soup with potatoes and spices.
- Beef head to the pot, cow head stew.
- Deer roast, prepared with venison, sausage, ham and nuts.
- Venorio, which is prepared with pork ribs, nopales, pumpkin sauce and hot peppers.
- Rubber chicken, which is a chicken cooked in peanut or hazelnut sauce.
The state of Durango is famous for its preserved jams and fruits, such as quince jam, peach jam, among others. Another of the typical sweets of the region is the mostachón (walnuts wrapped in caramel).
On the other hand, the cheeses of Durango are recognized at national level. These include:
- Cheese chihuahua, also called Durango Mennonite cheese.
- Ranchero cheese
Durango's best-known beverages are grape liqueur and quince liqueur.
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2- Grape Fair
During the last weeks of July, the grape and wine fair is held in the municipality Gómez Palacio de Durango. This is one of the most recognized festivals in the state.
In these weeks, amusement parks are installed, artistic presentations are made (dances, concerts, among others) and gastronomic fairs are held.
The center of the celebration is the grape, so dishes and drinks are presented with this fruit (liqueurs, sweets, among others).
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3 - Virgin of Guadalupe
The virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico. This is the reason why national parties are held from 9 to 12 December.
In Durango, the feasts in honor of the virgin of Guadalupe include processions, parades, pastorships (species of plays with religious motifs), masses and liturgies. In addition to this, concerts, competitions, dances and gastronomic fairs are organized.
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3- St. Joseph's Day
St. Joseph's Day is celebrated on March 19th. This is a religious festival, so they organize masses and processions.
In addition to this, tourist attractions are installed, such as popular markets, amusement parks, rodeos and traditional music concerts.
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4- Apple Fair
The fair of the apple resembles the fair of the grape, but takes place in Cantatlan. This fair lasts for one week.
This week, the town of Canátlan is animated with amusement parks, fireworks, traditional dances, apple-based food stands, among others.
It is common to find stalls that offer apple wine, apple pays, caramel apples, among others.
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5- Carnival
The carnival takes place between February and March, the days before Ash Wednesday. This party is celebrated with disguises, dances and parades. In some cities of Durango, a competition is made to choose the"queen of carnivals".
In addition to this, the population can enjoy rodeos, amusement parks, markets and gastronomic fairs.
6- Holy Week
Holy Week is one of the most important religious celebrations in the state. During the course of the week, processions and dramatizations are carried out to revive the passion of Christ before his crucifixion and to celebrate his resurrection.
In addition to the processions, markets are organized where artisan pieces are sold relative to the greater week and gastronomic fairs with typical products of the region.
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7- Christmas
The 25th of December marks the birth of the baby Jesus. The celebrations begin at 12 o'clock on the 25th, a mass is being held. Afterwards, people celebrate at home with family and friends.
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8- Day of the Holy Innocents
The day of the innocent saints is celebrated the 28 of December. On this date, we remember the massacre committed by King Herod after the birth of the baby Jesus.
Herod, on hearing that a"king"had been born, feared for the stability of his position and commanded to murder all the newborn children of Bethlehem. However, he could not murder Jesus.
In Durango, jokes are spent on the day of the innocent saints. People who have believed the jokes are told"innocent popcorn, you let yourself be deceived".
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9- New Years Eve and New Year
On December 31 the old year is dismissed and is preparing to receive the new year. In Durango, as well as in other parts of Mexico, 12 grapes are eaten representing 12 wishes or goals that you want to achieve in the new year.
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10- Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 2. People visit the cemeteries and spend the day celebrating in honor of their loved ones who have passed away.
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References
- Religion and expressive culture. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from everyculture.com.
- Durango. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from wikipedia.org.
- Durango. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from beta.visitmexico.com.
- Holidays and traditions in Mexico. Retrieved on August 31, 2017 from traveltips.usatoday.com.
- Traditional foods of Durango. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from backyardnature.net.
- The food of Durango. Retrieved on August 31, 2017 from mexconnect.com.
- State of Durango. Recovered on August 31, 2017, from visitmexico.com.
- Gastronomy of Durango. Retrieved on August 31, 2017, from asiesmimexico.mx.