Discover the Beauty of Folk Music from Mexico

Discover the beauty of Mexican folk music through its history, instruments, and famous performers.

Introduction

Folk music from Mexico is a beautiful, diverse and fascinating genre that encompasses a wide range of styles, instruments and emotions. From the lively, energetic rhythms of mariachi and norteño to the soulful melodies of ranchera and jarocho, Mexican folk music is as varied as the country itself.

Mexico has a rich tradition of folk music that dates back centuries to the Aztec, Maya and other indigenous peoples who populated the country. In the early 20th century, Mexican folk music began to gain popularity outside of Mexico, thanks in part to the efforts of renowned musicians like Carlos Chavez and Lydia Mendoza. Today, Mexican folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world.

If you’re interested in learning more about Mexican folk music, there are plenty of resources available. You can start by listening to some of the most famous Mexican folk songs, such as “La Bamba” and “Cielito Lindo.” You can also check out books and websites devoted to the topic. And if you’re lucky enough to travel to Mexico, be sure to experience the country’s vibrant folk music scene firsthand!

History of Folk Music in Mexico

Mexico is a land of culture and tradition. The music of Mexico has a long and rich history. Folk music is an important part of Mexico’s musical heritage. Folk music is the music of the people, and it reflects the culture, history, and traditions of the people. Folk music is passed down from generation to generation, and it is a part of the cultural identity of the people.

Pre-Hispanic Era

The roots of Mexican folk music can be traced back to the indigenous people of Mexico, who have inhabited the country for thousands of years. The first settlers, who arrived in Mexico around 10,000 BC, were mostly Hunters and Gatherers. These early people led a nomadic lifestyle and did not have time to develop a complex musical culture. As they began to settle down and establish permanent settlements, they began to cultivate plants and animals, which led to a more sedentary lifestyle. This allowed them to develop a more sophisticated musical culture.

The most important musical genre of the pre-Hispanic era was balladry. Ballads were poetic narratives that were chanted or sung accompanied by simple instruments like drums or rattles. They were often about love, loss, or other emotional topics. The ballads of the pre-Hispanic era were an important part of the oral tradition and helped to preserve the history and culture of the indigenous people.

Another important genre of pre-Hispanic Mexican music was dance music. Dance music was used for both social and ceremonial purposes. It was often accompanied by traditional dances which helped to tell stories or legends. The most famous type of dance music from this era is the mariachi, which originated in the state of Jalisco.

The arrival of the Spanish in Mexico in the 16th century had a profound impact on Mexican music. The Spanish brought with them their own musical traditions, instruments, and styles which blended with those of the indigenous people to form a new musical culture. This process was accelerated by the importation of African slaves into Mexico during the colonial period. African music also had a significant impact on Mexican folk music.

One of the most important genres of Mexican folk music is son Jarocho from Veracruz. Son Jarocho is a lively style of music that combines Spanish and African influences. It is usually played on stringed instruments like guitars and violins and features improvised singing along with clapping and dancing. Son Jarocho is still popular today and has been performed by some of Mexico’s most famous musicians such as Lila Downs and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Another important genre of Mexican folk music is mariachi from Jalisco. Mariachi is a style of instrumental folk music that originated in western Mexico in the 18th century. It is usually played on traditional Mexican instruments such as guitars, violins, trumpets, and guitars), although it can also be played on violins alone) accompanied by singing.. Mariachi bands often wear traditional clothing such as sombreros (hats) serapes (shawls), charro suits (a type pants) .Mariachi bands are often hired for special occasions such as parties, weddings, festivals .Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano is one of the most well-known mariachi bands in Mexico

Colonial Era

Folk music in Mexico dates back to the country’s colonial era, when a number of different musical styles were brought over from Europe. One of the most popular genres during this time was villancico, a type of devotional song that often featured traditional Spanish instrumentation. As the colonial period came to an end, Mexican-born composers began to experiment with incorporating indigenous musical elements into their compositions, giving birth to a new style known as contradanza. This genre would go on to have a significant impact on the development of Mexican folk music in the years that followed.

Post-Independence Era

The 19th century was a time of great change for Mexico, as the country achieved independence from Spain in 1821. This new-found freedom led to a renewed interest in Mexican culture, including the traditional folk music of the people.

During this time, many of the country’s most famous folk songs were written, such as “La Bamba” and “Cielito Lindo.” These songs have since become classics, and are still popular today.

As Mexico began to modernize in the early 20th century, folk music became less popular, but it has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Thanks to performers like Lila Downs and Carlos Santana, Mexican folk music is once again being enjoyed by people all over the world.

Popular Folk Music Styles in Mexico

Mexico is home to a wide variety of folk music styles, which reflect the country’s diverse history and culture. Some popular folk music styles from Mexico include mariachi, ranchera, and corrido. These styles are often played at traditional Mexican celebrations and festivals.

Son Jarocho

Son Jarocho is a popular style of Mexican folk music from the state of Veracruz. It is a lively, upbeat music that often features large groups of musicians playing jarana guitars, requinto guitars, la banda drums, and maracas. Lyrics are usually sung in Spanish and often tell stories about the lives of everyday people. The music is often accompanied by dance, and son jarocho parties (jaranas) are a popular pastime in Veracruz.

Son jarocho has its roots in the Afro-Cuban music brought to Mexico by slaves in the 16th century. Over time, it developed into its own distinct style, influenced by indigenous Mexican music, Spanish folk music, and even Rock & Roll. In the 1950s and 60s, son jarocho experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the work of singers like Chavela Vargas and Lydia Mendoza. Today, son jarocho is enjoyed by Mexicans of all backgrounds and is considered an important part of the country’s musical heritage.

Son Huasteco

Son huasteco is a popular folk music style from Mexico. It is usually performed with a violin, a guitar and a type of Mexican guitar called the jarana. The music is fast-paced and often starts with a simple melody that becomes more complex as the song goes on. The lyrics are usually about love, nature or the country life. This type of music is popular in the state of Hidalgo, where it originated.

Mariachi

Mariachi is a popular folk music style that originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco in the 19th century. The music is characterized by its use of violins, guitars, and mariachi trumpets, as well as its Rancho-style singing. Mariachi bands often perform at festivals, weddings, and other special occasions.

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed learning about the beauty of folk music from Mexico. This style of music is truly special and something that should be celebrated. If you have the chance to see a folk music performance from Mexico, we highly recommend it!