Colima - Culture

Culture

Indigenous, Spanish, African and Philippine cultures have played a part in the shaping of the state, although traces can be hidden in modern local cultures and traditions. Most crafts and dances of the state are of indigenous origin although some originated after the Conquest. The Spanish contributed bullfighting and charreada. African influenced dialects such as guango and candingo still exists and giant costume/puppets called mojigangos are of African origin as well. The popularity of coconuts in the state is derived from Philippine and other Asian slaves that were brought to the state. Among the most popular folk dances in the state include those which tell the story of the Spanish conquest, which goes under various names such as “conquista,” “Virgin of Guadalupe,” “capotes” and “malinches.” Another popular dance is called “apaches.” Both originated during the colonial period, along with “moros y cristianos” and “matachines.” Dances with indigenous roots include “sonajera india” and “morenos.” Pastorelas, or short plays with religious themes, are traditions that began in the very early colonial period. One popular one from that time is the “Adoration of the Three Wise Men” although it has evolved to meet modern tastes.

There are a number of important local festivals and other annual events. January 6 is the Los Chayacates de Ixtlahuacán, which is a mix of indigenous and Catholic practices based on the pastorela and the cultivation cycle of corn. On the Tuesday after Epiphany is the “Entrance of the Señor de la Expiración” in Rancho de Villa. On this date the image returns to this village from Coquimatlán. It includes parades, dances, fireworks and jaripeos. Candlemas is an important event in Tecomán with traditional dances and fair. Candlemas in Suchitlán is the most important annual event in the region, celebrated with dances such as Los Gallitos, Los Apaches and Los Morenos. The last two dances involved dancers with elaborately carved and decorated masks.

Villa de Álvarez celebrates its annual Fiestas Charro-Taurinas, which originally was the feast of the city’s patron saint, Philip of Jesus. In additions to bullfights and charreadas, mojigangas are featured as well. The Paspaques of Suchitlán on 19 March is celebrated by the Nahuas of this small village, which is an agricultural ritual of pre-Hispanic origin. Center to it is the preparation of corn in various ways such as tortillas, tamales, pozole and more. Holy Week is a major event in many municipalities which often hold passion plays during the week.

The Feria de Manzanillo occurs from 29 April to 1 May and celebrates the anniversary of its designation as a major port (Puerto de Altura). It is held with street parties, dances, contests and jaripeos. 3 May is the Day of the Holy Cross, important in Suchitlán and celebrated with the “morenos” dance. The Fiestas del Cristo de Caña in Quesería in May revolves around a Christ image of the 18th century which came to the area from Pátzcuaro. It is celebrated with horse races, mojigangas, traditional dance, processions and music. On 29 September Tamala, municipality of Ixtlahuacán celebrates the feast of the Archangel Michael with a change of “mayordomos” (festival sponsors) .

The most important festival in the state is Day of the Dead. For the week before and the week after, the state’s Agricultural, Industral and Cultural Fair is held. On 1 November, the city of Colima has an agricultural, livestock, commerce and industry fair which includes dances, parades with floats and a charreada. Pastorelas are most commonly seen during December between the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (12 December) and Christmas. Comala celebrates the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe from the first to the 12 of December with processions, bullfights, jaripeos, cockfights and on the eighth with a dance to popular music, floats and fireworks.

The state has produced one internationally famous artist named Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo. He is best known for its illustration of Christmas cards for UNICEF in the 1960s, but he also did other work and even designed furniture in a style now called Rangeliano. Many of his works are preserved at his former home of the Nogueras Hacienda in Comala, which is now a museum and cultural center run by the University of Colima . Other noted artists from the state include Alfonso Michel, Gabriel Portillo del Toro, Mercedes Zamora, Jorge Chávez Carrillo, Pancha Magaña and Juan Soriano. Noted writers include Gregorio Torres Quintero, Fray Juan de Grijalva, Balbino Dávalos Balkin and Felipe Sevilla del Río .