Mariachi
The Mariachi band has become an unofficial symbol of Mexico, and these costly groups of musicians can be found playing regional Mexican music at weddings and other celebrations, as well as in plazas and any other public place where Mariachi music is a mix of many Mexican regional music styles. dances from Europe — like waltz and fandango — and rhythms and melodies from Africa. Bolero, ranch and son music forms are all performed as part of mariachi music.
A traditional mariachi band has at least three musicians and the instruments used include a violin, a trumpet, a vihuela, a guitar and a guitar (an acoustic bass). good mariachi bands know at least 1000 songs that represent the opinions and feelings of ordinary mexican people — because of this, mariachi bands can receive requests from listeners, who are not shy about singing along.
Ranch
Ranchera is a form of mariachi that developed in the early 20s. Ranchera, a form of Mexican country music, was used in several films during that time, making the style popular in Latin America. Themes of ranchera songs vary between love, patriotism and nature, and are taken from the farmers’ everyday lives. The ranchero rhythm is either waltz, polka or bolero. The form is standardized and contains an instrumental introduction, verse and refrain in the middle and an instrumental conclusion.
Son
Son musical forms — basically folk music — was founded 18th century. Several different styles of son are found in the many regions of Mexico. Text and instrumentation show the influences that Cuban, African and Creole Mexicans have had in the areas they live in. By the 1930s, at least 10 son styles were popular, the most popular form of son being mariachi. Son jarocho (son originating in the state of Veracruz) is another popular form, with traditional Latin music groups both in Mexico and in the United States sampling the style’s rhythms and instrumentation. The Mexican son usually plays country music and if you have a chance to enjoy a live performance, be prepared to participate by stomping your feet in a rhythm. Most Mexican son bands use string instruments and lyrics are often improvised.
Marimba
In addition to being a Marimba is a type of xylophone, but unlike the traditional xylophones, Mexican marimba is played by several musicians at the same time and it has a delimiting sound. Marimba can be part of any form of celebration, all styles of music, from jazz to wedding music, from religious music used in Catholic masses to Beethoven’s symphonies, can be played with marimba. In some regions it is difficult to escape the sound from it from the streets.
Matachiner
Matachin dancers are an important part of Mexican music and dance culture and you can see them perform on religious dates, such as holidays and Christmas. Matachins illustrate Christianity’s victory over paganism and good over evil through their dances. Matachin’s purpose is to scare away the evil spirits and honor the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is the patron of Mexico. has at least 10 dancers depicting different roles as Spanish conquistadors and the last Aztec king. Major dancers wear costumes that illustrate their parts while other dancers are dressed in white or red shirts decorated with ribbons. They have vests and split skirts, headdresses decorated with animal ornaments, mirrors and feathers, and either costume jewelry, religious medals or pearls. The rhythm of the dancers is created with a drum, rattles and two violins, and of wooden reeds hidden in the dancers’ vests and skirts. All create the characteristic fastening ball of matachin. Mexico has a rich and varied music culture, and music is an important part of many Mexican festivals and daily activities. Regional differences are common and give many local flavors to the music venue. Mexican music is also more than just notes — Traditional forms of music contain costumes and stories and thrive on audience participation.
Source:danspela.com