Nayarit Is a Mexican state constituted by twenty municipalities, whose capital is Tepic. In the Uto-Aztec tongue Nayarit means"Son of God who is in heaven and in the sun".
Its population is mainly of indigenous roots, between which you can emphasize tribes like Huicholes, Coras and Tepehuanos.
The climate that predominates in Nayarit throughout the year is warm, giving rise to tourism as an important part of the economy of the same.
Nayarit has a good diversity of customs and traditions, as the different types of dress, folk sorts and annual celebrations.
Traditions and customs of Nayarit
Within the area culture belonging to the municipality, we can highlight:
Jarabe Nayarita
Within the musical genre, the Jarabe Nayarita stands out. It is said that Jarabe Nayarita is a"mestizo"rhythm because it is a mixture of both Spanish and indigenous culture.
This rhythm represents daily situations of life, and their dress varies according to the folk group (especially in men).
Typical dish: Fish shrimp
In addition to tourism, fishing is part of Nayarit's economy. El Pescado Zarandeado is a typical dish from the island of Mexcaltitán (locality of the municipality of Santiago Ixcuintla).
This dish consists of open butterfly-shaped fish and then bathed with sauce (Maggi juice, lemon, salt, pepper, orange juice and Ketchup).
Nayarit Fair
The Fair Nayarit is an annual event that takes place in Tepic since 1989. Originally this event was called"Fair of Mexicanity", passing by other names like"National Fair Tepic"and"International Festival Amado Nervo"; Until in that in 2012 it was changed to"Feria Nayarit".
This event is held two weeks prior to Easter, and has several activities such as games, concerts, rodeos, exhibitions (livestock and indigenous), among others.
Day of the Dead
Although the day of the dead is celebrated in several countries of the world (between the 1 and 2 of November), the tradition is of Mexican origin.
In Nayarit, this event is celebrated with altars prepared to invite the dead who come from heaven to visit their families. At the altars are placed clay pots with food inside (rice, tequila, fruits, sweets, etc.).
Other important symbols are containers with water and candles. The first in order that the spirits may purify themselves; The second, symbolizing the struggle between the light and the darkness of death.
National Spring Fair
Once a year, thousands of people are concentrated in the city of Santiago Ixcuintla to celebrate the"National Spring Fair". This event of religious origin is celebrated from 1953, and has a duration of 15 days.
Activities such as outdoor theater, musical shows and dances, trade, gastronomy, and other branches belonging to the regional economy (fishing and livestock) are carried out during the day.
References
- Pacheco, Lourdes C.. (2002). Education that silences: indigenous education in Nayarit. Nayarit, Mexico: Autonomous University of Nayarit.
- Jean Meyer. (2005). Brief History of Nayarit. Mexico DF, Mexico: Colegio de México, History of the Americas Trust.