The culture of Zacatecas It is the product of the evolution of values, traditions, customs and beliefs that have been transmitted from generation to generation throughout the history of this state .
Zacatecas is a Mexican state recognized for its ancient mining tradition. The rich deposits of silver, zinc and other minerals made their territory the destination of whites, Indians, blacks, mestizos and mulatos.
Culture of Zacatecas
From colonial intercultural exchange derived customs that today are part of the identity of Zacatecas.
Customs and traditions
The customs and traditions of Zacatecas are strongly influenced by the religious element.
This is due to the Franciscans, Augustinians, Dominicans and Jesuits who during the times of the colony evangelized the population and transmitted their Western customs to them.
The most important aspect of Zacatecan culture is the celebration of regional, patronal, religious and civic celebrations.
These festivities take place in each municipality at different times of the year and they are attended by Zacatecas dressed in dress and a lot of color to honor their traditions.
The Zacatecas Festival of International Folklore is celebrated in the state capital during the month of July of each year.
In September it commemorates Our Lady of Sponsorship, the Fair of the Tuna and the Grape and the National Fair of Zacatecas.
Throughout the month Zacatecan streets are dressed with joy and fun to welcome residents and tourists who enjoy bullfighting, palenque, dances, horse races and various exhibitions.
In the interior of the state, the festivities are mainly to commemorate the patron saint.
The most popular are the so-called"callejonadas", a celebration that consists of going through the alleys of the city while consuming Mezcal de Huitzila and tasting samples of local cuisine.
Music
The vigorous temperament of the Zacatecans is reflected in the Tamborazo, or na original musical stream from Jerez in Zacatecas.
It uses martial-type musical instruments in harmony with wind instruments such as saxophone, trumpet and clarinet.
The events that occurred during the Mexican Revolution they had a negative impact on the preservation and dissemination of the musical customs of Zacatecas.
At present these customs hardly subsist in places like Valparaiso, Morelos, Monte and Escobedo.
Art
The artistic manifestations of Zacatecan culture are rich and varied.
Zacatecas is recognized worldwide as a colonial state thanks to the historical and religious monuments of Baroque, Gothic and Churriguresque style that throughout the colony were built on its territory.
Traditional craftsmanship is represented in the branches of:
- Silversmith's.
- Saddlery.
- Pottery.
- Textiles
- Wood carving.
- Artistic blacksmithing
- Ceramics.
- Works on rocks, stones and metals.
The character of the zacatecano, strong, gallant and fanfarrón is represented in the popular dance Mexicapán.
The art of gastronomy inherited the flavor of Mesoamerican culture. Rich in flavors and aromas, it is made up of ingredients of great nutritional value: beans, chilies, tomatoes, meats and an extensive variety of fruits.
The asado de bodas is one of its characteristic dishes. It consists of pork, black or red chili, white bread and plenty of butter.
Beliefs
The celebration of Day of the Dead it was for a long time commemorated by its inhabitants visiting the tombs of their relatives to pray a rosary and bring them offerings.
According to popular belief, the first day of November was to commemorate the deceased children and the two to offer the deceased adults.
This tradition has had variations from the influence of other cultures. Proof of this is the custom of going out to"ask for a dead man".
According to this, the children disguise themselves and sing with pumpkins and plastic skulls waiting to receive sweets.
References
- Culture of Zacatecas. (s.f.). Retrieved on October 29, 2017 from: explorandomexico.com.mx.
- Ibarra, M. (August 3, 2017). Culture, Economy and Development of Zacatecas. In: elsoldezacatecas.com.mx.
- Zacatecas Cultural and Tourist Attractions. (s.f.). Retrieved on October 29, 2017 from: siglo.inafed.gob.mx.
- Zacatecas (October 24, 2017). In: en.wikipedia.org.
- Zacatecas (s.f.). Retrieved on October 29, 2017 from: encyclopedia.com.