Jarabe Tapatio

• The most famous dance of all the Mexican dance traditions is the Jarabe Tapatio. The Jarabe is in Spanish a syrup. It is something sweet and represents the sweetness of the romantic serenade performed during the Mexican "hat dance." This dance comes from Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco. The Jarabe Tapatio has become one of the cultural treasures of the country. Participants wear the traditional "charro" uniform for the male and the "china" shawl and skirt for the female. This charro uniform was adopted after the 1930s as the official uniform of the Mariachi band.
  
  

Zapateado

• Both the Son from Jalisco and from Veracruz are accompanied by the dance called the Zapateado. This is an artistic dance, which originated from Spain, that emphasizes footwork. Dancers performing the Zapateado pound and tap their heals in a rhythmic fashion against the dance floor. Many times the dance floor is damaged and dented by the pounding of the heals.
  
  

Sones

• When Mariachi began, the Son was the most popular musical style. This was a blend of music from Spain, Northern Africa and Mexico. Regional adaptations of the style are present around the country. En Jalisco the music is called the Son Jalisciense. The Son Jarocho is from Vera Cruz. From northeastern Mexico comes the Son Huasteco. The song "Serenata Huasteca" is a Mariachi favorite from this area. The song "La Bamba" is a Son Jarocho. All these styles derive from the Son Jaliscience from the birthplace of Mariachi.
  
  

Huapango

• This is another dance that originated from the Mariachi music. The Huapango features couples lined up on opposite sides. The dancers stand erect and shuffle their feet while keeping the torso from moving. Sometimes dancers place a glass of water or wine on top of their heads to demonstrate their skills and coordination.
  
  

Conclusions

• Mariachi music with singing and dancing grew out of Jalisco and spread to the rest of the country. It has now become a national symbol and tradition. Mariachis play as people young and old sing and dance to traditional songs at weddings, quinceaneras, birthdays, baptisms and national holiday celebrations. The Jarabe Tapatio is part of the presentation of the Ballet Folklorico presented regularly at the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City and around the world.