Music a Dances in Mexico

Iconic Sounds: An Overview of Mexican Music

As you travel through Mexico, you will be enveloped by its diverse soundscape. This brief guide introduces the most famous musical genres you are likely to encounter, helping you identify and appreciate what you are hearing.

Mariachi: The Heartbeat of Mexico

• The Sound: A vibrant and powerful ensemble of violins, trumpets, guitars, the high-pitched vihuela, and the deep-voiced guitarrón (a large acoustic bass).
• The Look: Instantly recognizable by the elegant traje de charro (charro suit), often adorned with silver buttons and embroidery.
• Where You’ll Hear It: Mariachi is ubiquitous. You will find them in public plazas, serenading diners in restaurants, and as the centerpiece of private celebrations. Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City is the genre’s most famous hub.

Ranchera: Songs of the Countryside

• The Themes: These are traditional songs with lyrics that focus on love, patriotism, nature, and the complexities of rural life. It is often considered a counterpart to American country music.
• The Performance: While Ranchera is its own distinct genre, it is most often performed by a passionate solo singer accompanied by a full Mariachi band.

Norteño and Banda: The Rhythms of the North

• Norteño: Originating from northern Mexico, this genre is characterized by its prominent accordion and the bajo sexto (a 12-string bass guitar). The rhythm is often an upbeat polka or a waltz.
• Banda: This is a powerful, brass-based orchestra. The tuba provides a heavy, driving bass line, creating a loud, festive sound that is immensely popular for dancing.
• Cumbia: Though its origins are in Colombia, Mexican Cumbia has developed its own unique style and is incredibly popular nationwide. It is a staple at any party, club, or dance hall.

Regional Dances: A Traveler’s Guide

Mexico’s cultural identity is vividly expressed through its traditional dances. Many are highly regional, offering a glimpse into the local history and customs of the places you visit. Here are a few of the most visually distinct dances to look for.

The Jarabe Tapatío (The Mexican Hat Dance)

• Region: Jalisco. While it originated here, it is now recognized as the national dance of Mexico.
• What to Look For: A delightful courtship dance. A man in a full charro suit and a woman in a colorful china poblana dress perform a flirtatious routine, with a wide-brimmed sombrero placed on the ground as a central element.

Son Jarocho and the Zapateado

• Region: Veracruz.
• What to Look For: Dancers, typically dressed in white, perform incredibly fast, rhythmic footwork called zapateado on a wooden platform (tarima) that amplifies the sound. The music is driven by harp and small, guitar-like instruments called jaranas. “La Bamba” is the most famous Son Jarocho song.

The Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Little Old Men)

• Region: Michoacán.
• What to Look For: A humorous and touching performance where young men don masks of old men and use canes. The dance begins with them hobbling, coughing, and complaining, before suddenly breaking into a surprisingly energetic and complex foot-stomping routine that showcases their true youth and skill.

The Guelaguetza Dances

• Region: Oaxaca.
• What to Look For: The Guelaguetza is not a single dance but a spectacular festival (traditionally held in July) that showcases the diverse dances from all regions of Oaxaca. A highlight is the dramatic Danza de la Pluma (Feather Dance), where male dancers wear enormous, stunning feathered headdresses.

Where to Experience Live Music and Dance

Experiencing these traditions live is a highlight of any trip to Mexico. From spontaneous street performances to formal stage shows, opportunities are abundant. Here is how to find them.

Public Plazas (Zócalos)

• What it is: The main square, or zócalo, is the heart of any Mexican town or city.
• Your Experience: On weekends and evenings, these plazas come alive. You will often find free public performances, from local bands playing on a central kiosk (bandstand) to strolling Mariachi groups. It is a wonderful and relaxed way to absorb the local atmosphere.

Dedicated Venues and Shows

• Ballet Folklórico de México (Mexico City): This is a world-renowned, highly polished stage production presenting a survey of Mexico’s regional dances. Performed in the magnificent Palacio de Bellas Artes, it is a truly spectacular event. We advise booking tickets well in advance through official channels to secure your place.
• Dinner Shows: Common in areas like Cancún, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, these venues offer a curated evening of music, dance, and food. The quality can vary, so we recommend checking with your local representative for trusted recommendations.

Cantinas and Salones de Baile

• What it is: These are traditional bars (cantinas) and dedicated dance halls (salones de baile).
• Your Experience: For a more authentic and local experience, seek out a cantina with live music or visit a salón de baile on a weekend night. Here you can see local couples dance Salsa, Cumbia, and Danzón with impressive skill. The atmosphere is usually very welcoming to observers and participants alike.

Tips for Enjoying the Performance

Tipping and Appreciation

• For musicians who perform at your table in a restaurant or approach you in a public square, a tip is customary and expected if you engage them.
• Guideline: A tip of 50-100 pesos per song is a good starting point, depending on the size of the musical group.
• For formal, ticketed shows, enthusiastic and sustained applause is the most appropriate way to show your appreciation.

Participation Etiquette

• In a formal show setting, such as the Ballet Folklórico, please remain a respectful observer. Photography and video are often restricted.
• In an informal setting like a plaza or a dance hall, if you see locals dancing, you are generally welcome to join in the fun.
• If you hire a Mariachi band for a song or two, it is customary to make a request. It is helpful to have one or two famous songs in mind, such as “Cielito Lindo” or “Volver, Volver.” Always agree on the price for the song *before* the musicians begin to play.