Tamaulipas lies the northeastern end of the Mexican territory, with the Bravo River As a limit with the United States. Its name derives from the Huasteco, and means"place where much is prayed."
With miles of beach on the Gulf of Mexico, the physiognomy of its landscape is contrasting. From broad plains to high mountain ranges, through springs, caves and also, desert.
Its capital is Ciudad Victoria, although its most populated city is Reynosa. Other important cities are Tampico, Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros and Aldama.
One of its oldest activities is cattle raising and cotton farming.
The past and present are linked in the customs and traditions of the people of Tamaulipas. They are particular the flavors of its gastronomy.
They are also part of their cultural heritage clothing, traditional dances, handicrafts and their music.
The people of Tamaulipas proudly preserve their traditions and customs, which pass from generation to generation.
Traditions of Tamaulipas
Day of the Dead
Its origin dates back to pre-Hispanic times. The indigenous people who settled in Tamaulipas at the time, the Chichimecas, used to make human sacrifices.
Then they scattered their ashes through temples and homes, to keep the dead and their god happy.
Celebration of Xantolo
It takes place from 31 October to 2 November. In every home there is an altar in an arch made of flowers, and in the center is a photo of a deceased relative and an image of a saint.
In plates, on a table, cookies, sugar skulls, fruits, drinks or the deceased's favorite dish.
October 31 is dedicated to deceased children, and offerings vary to chocolate and bread, broth or unhealthy foods.
On November 1, the deceased adults are received, with beer, spirits and more elaborate dishes with spicy, and tobacco in leaves.
On November 2, in the early morning, the offering is taken to the cemetery, and at noon the Xantolo Celebration is completed until the following year.
Agricultural and Livestock Fair and Exhibition
It is held in the month of March of every year, in the Mier City. There are exhibited specimens of the different races, and at the same time, bullfights, horse races and the exhibition of regional products.
Expo Feria de Tamaulipas
It is celebrated in November in Victoria City. The exhibition reaches the industry, livestock, agriculture and handicrafts.
The entertainment is in charge of national and international artists, typical dances and charreadas.
Celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe
This celebration takes place on December 12 in the city of Altamira
Carnival of the Port of Tampico
It takes place forty days before the Easter Resurrection. With parades, dances and musical acts. Choice of queen, floats and costumes.
Custom
Pillory
The traditional music is the"pillory", accompanied by its typical dance to the son of the tambora and the clarinet.
In former times the defenders were exposed to their public shame, in a high rod or column, this being the origin of the word, sounding the drum and the clarinet. In this dance both the man and the woman usually dance barefoot.
Polka, redova and chotís
In the border area, it is more traditional polka, redova and Chotís, inheritance of European immigrants. The rhythms were assimilated by the tamaulipecos adopting them as their own.
Huapango
In the Huasteca area, the music that sounds is the huapango, to dance, sing, tell anecdotes, or just make fun of someone.
Violin, jarana and guitar are combined with the voice of the troubadour and the delights of an excellent poetry.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy occupies a prominent place in Tamaulipas, given its cattle tradition and its maritime coast.
Carne asada a la Tampiqueña, roast pork, kid al pastor, stuffed gorditas, pork tamales, baked kid, among the meats.
Seafood soups, cebiches, stuffed crabs, crab spit, shrimp huatape, shrimp in broth, among the seafood.
As desserts stand the donuts of corn flour or pemole, the sweet potato with pineapple, the cocada with pineapple and walnut, pumpkin in tacha of piloncillo honey.
Traditional drinks are mezcal and Huapilla water.
References
- The celebration of the day of the dead in the Huasteca. Taken from ucsj.edu.mx
- Traditional Festivities and Typical Meals of Tamaulipas. November 24, 2012. Taken from nadia4everlike.blogspot.com.ar
- Day of the Dead in Tamaulipas. Taken from sites.google.com
- Music, Dance, Dance and Clothing. Taken from tamaulipas.gob.mx
- The Sun of Tampico. Taken from elsoldetampico.com.mx
- Traditions and customs. Taken from tamaulipas.gob.mx.