Guide to Traditional Mexican Music and Dance

Mexico has a musical history as rich and nuanced as any country, but there are still a few styles and elements that seem to be an almost common thread between all manifestations of their music. These forms of music comprise traditional Mexican music as it is known today.

Both folk and classical music intertwine throughout the history of Mexico. Regional styles of course reflect these traditions. There are many forms of Mexican music but there are two that stand out as the most prevalent.

The first is Ranchera. This is the type of song that was sung on a Mexican ranch for hundreds of years. The main themes for these songs are a love of nature, religion, love and patriotism. That is not to say every song had these elements, but none of them seemed opposed to them even when they did not mention them... The music is usually done in waltz form and consists of a lot of rhythms.

The other is Mariachi. This is not a style of music but a group of musicians. There are usually three players int he Mariachi orchestra, usually more. The traditional Mariachi orchestra has two violins, two trumpets, a Spanish guitar, a vihuela and a guitarron. These last two instruments are Mexican forms of guitars.

Mariachis do not play any one type of music but if they did it would be Ranchera. Mariachis however changed their themes from only love to other ones as hard times hit the Mexican economy and forced bars to not be able to hire them anymore. That is about the only difference. Ranchero for light, Mariachi for light and dark.

Some famous Mexican musicians you might want to try to reference for a sampling of these styles are: Vinente Fernandez, Mariachi Silvestre Vargas, and 100 Anos de la Musica Ranchera.

Traditional Mexican music is some of the most beautiful and heartfelt in the world. They overflow with emotion and seep into your soul. These are special types of music and are worthy of their own distinction.

Guide to traditional Mexican dances

Traditional Mexican dances are comprised of regional dances form villages across Mexico. There are literally hundreds of forms of these dances but there are two styles I would like to illustrate here, as they are the most popular traditional dances in Mexico to this day.

The first traditional Mexican dance is Mopolka. This is a very classic dance designed to show honor from a man to a woman. It involves large gestures and requires a partner. This reminds me of Salsa....

Speaking of, this is another great traditional Mexican dance. Once again a partner is required. It is hot and fiery and has even more sweeping movements than Mopolka.

For something more royal, you can watch some soldiers do the Matachine, which is the ancient word for mask. The soldiers wear masks and are called Matachines. They dance on special days according to the church and their dancing has become a cultural manifestation in Mexico.

There are many more dances in Mexico but to me these are the three that come to mind first. There is a lot that Mexico has to offer and it does not shirk in the dance department, that is for sure!