Learn about the origin of the typical costume of Veracruz, also known as the jarocho costume; the elements that compose it and all the details that surround the tradition of one of the most beautiful typical Mexican costumes in the country.
Veracruz, also known as “La Puerta de América”, is a beautiful Mexican state full of history, culture and all the fantastic elements that could only be found in a country as magical as Mexico.
Between sounds, colors and flavors, the Veracruz typical costume It is one of the jewels of the state, since it is part of its cultural identity and at the same time, it is an important piece of Mexican folklore.
Find out below the origin of the typical costume of Veracruzalso know as jarocho costume, the elements that make it up, its male and female versions; as well as the dates and celebrations in which it is tradition to use it.
Jarocho costume, the typical costume of Veracruz
The word “jarocho” has several meanings. Jarocho is called who is originally from Veracruzis also how the typical sones of the region are known and of course, it is the name by which the Veracruz typical costume.
In the Veracruz typical costume, both in its masculine and feminine version, the color white predominates. Why? Mainly, because wearing the white jarocho suit is a tradition to get married in Veracruz, both for the bride and the groom.
Second, there is a popular belief that the white color in the typical costume of Veracruz It is because it was the way it was presented in the movies of the 40s and 50s, which is why it became popular as the official color of the state’s national costume.
The jarocho or jarocha costumeis made up of several elements, some of them are always used and others, only for special occasions, such as traditional and popular festivals typical of Veracruz.
The origin of the typical costume of Veracruz
The jarocho costume or typical costume of Veracruz as we traditionally know it, has its origin in the provinces of the basin of the Papaloapan River; and it is in the women’s clothing where the origin and evolution of this typical Mexican costume is mainly reflected.
The typical costume of Veracruz was mainly inspired by the clothes that the ladies who arrived with the Spanish settlers brought from the Old Continent. However, due to the climate of the region, the dark and heavy fabrics were changed for lighter and cooler ones.
In the case of the typical Veracruz suit for men, it is customary to dress in a way that was generally the style of peons and people of mixed race. In both cases, the outfits merged with the indigenous art of the region and adopted a more tropical essence.
Know the origin of typical costume of Veracruz, the jarocho suitnext.
The typical costume of Veracruz for women or jarocha costume
The Veracruz women they took the dresses from Andalusia and Valencia to base your new outfits on. Little by little they left the hard and warm fabrics to transform them into beautiful dresses of different colors and textures between its fine threads.
The Veracruz typical costume for women or jarocha costume It is traditionally made up of the following elements:
White background which commonly reaches knee height. Some have embroidered details also in white and a square neck.
Long white skirt with ruffles. The skirt of the typical jarocha costume is made of light fabric, such as poplin. They are usually wide and with a lot of flight.
Mantilla on the shoulders. This reaches the height of the elbows and goes on the bottom. It has a triangular shape and is adjusted to the front with a clasp, although it is also customary to secure them with embroidery.
Apron at the waist. Traditionally black, this garment is usually made of satin and has beautiful flower embroidery in pink or wine. It has black lace on the edges.
Silk shawl. Also in black by tradition.
Comb. The hair of the jarochas is collected in a bun that is adorned with a comb, also adorned with beautiful flowers; commonly carnations.
Earrings, necklaces and bracelets long. The decorations should be gold or shades of gold.
Hand fan. The color depends on the occasion or the rest of the outfit.
White or black sneakers.
The colors and embroidery differ according to the occasion and taste of the wearer of the typical costume of Veracruz. The blouse is sleeveless and always matches the skirt.
Veracruz typical suit for men or jarocho suit
Traditionally, the Veracruz typical suit for men (jarocho suit) is whiteit’s based on:
- 4 stone white hat (which has 4 slits)
- White Guayabera of pockets at the front and pleated
- The red bandana (by tradition) it is placed with a gold ring.
- White shoes or boots
The tradition of Veracruz typical costume for men dates back to the times when the colonizers arrived in Mexican lands. The farm workers and populous people they were the first to begin to adopt foreign garments and modify them according to the taste of the nascent races; always adjusting to the characteristics of the region, such as its culture and climate.
Other typical costumes of Veracruz
Other typical costumes of Veracruz are the Charro suit and the Tehuano suitcommonly used by women originating from Zapotec ethnic groups of Oaxaca; clothing that was immortalized by Frida Kahlo not only in his paintings, but also in his personal style.
Get to know 11 typical Mexican costumes, here!
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