By Paola Velasco
Son jarocho is a unique Mexican musical genre. It combines Gypsy, Spanish, Jewish, Arab and African elements. These musical traditions were brought to Mexico centuries ago, and blended with native elements of the Gulf Coast area. They have merged into a traditional Mexican folk music, centered in Vera Cruz, and Tamaulipas. Songs typically include humorous verses, and topics that reflect life during colonial times, in this part of Mexico. There are songs about love, nature, sailors, and even cattle breeding.
The most common instrument is the jarana. This is a small guitar-like instrument that is a direct descendant of the baroque guitar. The fandango—a dance that originated in Spain—is often performed to son jarocho music. The participants tap their feet on a wooden floor, clap their hands, and play percussive instruments such as the güiro and the quijada, which is made from a donkey’s jaw.
These dances are mainly held in rural communities, during festivities for patron saints, or various celebrations, such as births, weddings, and even funerals. The celebration usually lasts all night, and sometimes even days. Everyone participates in the making of the music, and dancing to these centuries-old sounds.
San Miguel has its own son jarocho musical group named Soledad. They play their music in various venues in the San Miguel area. They will perform in concert this Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 7pm at the San Miguel Playhouse Theater. They will create a spiritual representation of the traditional son jarocho experience. All are invited to come and listen to this music, and try some traditional food and drink that will be available. Come and feel the joy of this unique and special genre of music.
The group was formed here in San Miguel de Allende, just over three years ago. Their main objective is to rescue this music from obscurity, and spread their love of son jarocho. They want to celebrate the music, the history, legends, poetry, verse and cultural heritage it represents. They especially want to teach it to the youth of San Miguel, to ensure it remains a vital Mexican tradition, and a source of pride for all Mexicans.
The group is made up of: Alma Lucero Martínez, Alma Rita Vázquez Vaca, Violeta Porras, Óscar Martínez Heredia, Francisco Balderas Calderón, and José Luis Mendoza Aubert. Each of them performs on a specific musical instrument, typical of this musical genre.
