The Traditions and customs of Sonora Are still important in this region largely thanks to the natives who strive to maintain the legacy of their ancestors and local tribes.
For example, the Guarijios celebrate two great festivities each year. The Papago ethnic group makes baskets of palm along the Sonoran desert and celebrate the"Ritual de la Vikita". The Deer Dance created by the Yaqui tribe is one of the most representative dances of the State and a great pride for its inhabitants.
The state of Sonora 10 divided into 72 municipalities; Its capital city is Hermosillo and shares part of its border with the United States. Its natural geography is mainly composed of arid and semi-arid deserts, as well as prairies.
Sonora is home to eight indigenous groups. Thanks to its status as a border state, it has been of great economic importance. It should be noted that their agriculture and livestock are also of great importance for Mexico.
You may be interested The 20 Most Important Mexican Traditions and Customs .
List of customs and traditions of the state of Sonora in Mexico
1- Dance of the deer
It is a native dance of the Yaqui tribe in the state of Sonora. The dancers recreate a dramatic house of deer in honor of the natural world and white-tailed deer, which provide for most of the needs of Yaquis.
This dance is one of the most popular in Mexico today. The Yaqui Indians fought valiantly to preserve their lands and cultures during the Spanish conquest, a great example of which is the Deer Dance, which has not had a European influence and has changed very little over the centuries.
The whole atmosphere of venison dance is created with traditional instruments and songs to accompany the dancers.
The dancer who imitates the deer (has an animal head above his head) attempts to recreate the movements of the wild white-tailed mammal. The other dancers represent the hunters who finally hunt the deer to provide sustenance.
This native Mexican dance is highly respected for its ritual, primitive and spiritual natures.
2- Sonoran Capirotada
It is a traditional dish similar to a bread pudding that is generally eaten during the Lenten period. Specifically, in Sinaloa is usually eaten on Ash Wednesday and Friday Lent.
Generally the preparation consists of loaves of bread soaked in a syrup prepared with species, interspersed with nuts such as almonds, peanuts or walnuts, as well as raisins.
Sonoran Champurrado
This drink is traditionally taken in Sonora in the cold times. It is a thick atole that carries cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, milk and cloves. The typical version of Sonora is made with wheat flour.
4- Dance of Pascola
This dance performed by the Mayan-Yorem and Yankee-Yorem tribes represents the creation of nature to which the ancient Indians worshiped.
It has European influences, marked mainly by the use and accompaniment of violins and harps. The other musical accompaniment of the dance is conformed by drums and flutes, classic instruments of the American cultures.
5- Dance of mattachines
This dance is performed during the Lenten season. It is related to the old Jesuit missionaries and their influence on the indigenous populations of the region, especially the Yoremes.
During Lent it is common to see the machatines circulating in the streets of Culiacan. He has a specific dress; Masks are placed that represent animals, they have bells that sound when walking at the same time that they play the flute.
Currently, they travel thousands of miles while they dance and also ask for money through the streets as a collaboration.
6- Dance of the coyotes
This emblematic dance is practiced in the San Miguel de Zapotitlán ceremonial center exclusively. This celebration involves a musician who plays the drum and the lyrics of the dance have to do with the life of a coyote.
The main accessory of the dancers participating in this dance is a coyote skin that covers their back, starting from their head. This skin can have a colorful set of turkey, eagle or buzzard feathers.
7- Coyotes
This dessert is traditional from the capital of Sonora, Hermosillo. Coyotes are flat, large sugar cookies traditionally filled with brown sugar. Although believed to date from the late nineteenth century, the current version of this cookie comes from the year 1954 when it was prepared in Villa de Seris.
The history of the recipe used today is a legend of the town of Hermosillo. Coyota means daughter of Indian and Spanish.
8- Sonora International Guitar Festival
For more than 10 years, this festival has hosted the best guitarists from both Mexico and the world.
During the festival, you can attend lectures given by the best teachers and guitar experts in the world, you can also watch performances by talented guitarists.
Additionally, you can take guitar lessons at all skill levels and you can enjoy several photo exhibits.
9- Artesanías de Sonora
The seven indigenous groups of Sonora make the typical handicrafts of this region. The artisans collect seashells and these materials are transformed into bracelets and necklaces. Other materials used by artisans include skeletons of snakes, seeds, and stones.
In addition, the artisans who work hard woods like 'palo fierro' create sculptures and stems of great rustic and natural simplicity.
The tribes Yaquis and Seris are inspired by their environments to create objects of iron wood; As a result a large number of the objects they produce are representations of animals.
Lacquered products made of wood, bone or clay are an important part of the traditional crafts of Sonora. Some are used in daily use, while others are used for rituals.
10- ExpoGan
This fair held in Hermosillo is characterized by offering a great variety of customs of Sonora. Its attractions include live music, dances, dishes and drinks typical of the region, and games.
This fair lasts for several weeks every year.
You may be interested 9 Customs and Traditions of Chihuahua (Mexico) .
References
- ExpoGan Hermosillo (2017). Recovered from whatsupcarlos.com.
- Traditions and customs (2010). Retrieved from our website.
- The Yaqui deer dance. Retrieved from aztecfiredance.com.
- Dance of Pascola. Retrieved from galeon.com.
- Coyota. Retrieved from wikipedia.org.
- Handcrafts of Sonora. Recovered from asiesmimexico.mx.
- Capirotada. Retrieved from wikipedia.org.
- The dance of the matachines (2016). Recovered from vivavoz.com.mx.
- Culture of Sonora. Retrieved from explorandomexico.com.
- International guitar festival of Sonora. Recovered from asiesmimexico.mx.
- Sonora. Retrieved from wikipedia.org.
Champurrado Sonorense. Retrieved from obson.wordpress.com.