Beginning with the country itself Veracruz is located in the Eastern Central section of Mexico. The location of Veracruz influences the style of Son Jarocho, which is the traditional Mexican music genre. Its coastal location and warm climate offer the possibility of a lively outdoor music scene, while the region’s rich history of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences is reflected in the rhythms, instruments, and lyrical themes "Son jarocho music, one of the regional Mexican styles that has become very important to the Chicano community in California."(Winick, Homegrown plus: Cambalache's Mexican American son jarocho from California: Folklife Today 2023). Noteably as well, we the viewers can see the spread clearly through the eyes of first hand accounts, "The work of Mono Blanco spread, and in 1989 their interpretation of the son jarocho reached Northern California. Instrumental to bringing the group north were Willie Ludwig, a Bay Area Latin jazz and salsa musician, and Artemio Posadas, a master musician of Mexican folk forms....This visit immediately spurred a series of fandangos within the Mexicano and Chicano communities in the area"( Winick, Fandango: Convivial Sharing). Alongside we can see the growth as it became a historical port city, Veracruz has been a hub for trade and migration, thus offering diverse musical influences from other regions and countries to influence Son Jarocho’s sound.
Traditional Instruments within Son Jarocho
Son jarocho music is often recognized by the unique instruments that contribute to its rich and vibrant sound. The jarana, a small guitar-like instrument, serves as the rhythmic foundation, providing both melody and accompaniment. As described, the jarana is "a clear descendant of the baroque guitar" and comes in various sizes, from as large as 100 cm to as small as 30-40 cm, helping to "bring harmony in the music of Son Jarocho." The requinto, a higher-pitched guitar, introduces melodic lines, often playing harmoniously with the jarana. This instrument, made of cedar wood and tuned in various ways, is a "tenor instrument that marks the melody in the music of Son Jarocho." While the passage doesn’t mention the marimbola, the traditional box-shaped string instrument enhances the music with its deep tones. Additionally, instruments like the jarocho tambourine—with its wooden frame and octagonal shape—along with the zapateado platform, "where the music of the zapateo of Son Jarocho is born," provide vital percussion, driving the rhythm and energizing the performance. Together, these instruments create a lively atmosphere that encourages audience engagement, especially during fandango celebrations.
Son Jarocho music serves a significant role in the community, particularly in areas with strong Mexican and Chicano influences such as Veracruz. It fosters a sense of identity and belonging, allowing people to connect with their heritage through music and dance. As noted, “Ever since Valens’ up-tempo rock version of the song hit the charts in 1958, ‘La Bamba’ has established itself as a quintessential American tune, despite its Afro-Mexican roots.” (Lehmer “La bamba”—ritchie valens (1958)) This fusion of cultures illustrates how Son Jarocho transcends boundaries, creating a shared space for celebration and resistance. Events like fandangos not only preserve these traditions but also bring people together, encouraging participation and strengthening community bonds. The music serves as a reminder of the resilience of Afro-Mexican heritage, enriching the cultural tapestry of American society.
El Chuchumbé - Son Jarocho
Now the video above represents El Chuchumbe a traditional dance and musical style closely associated with son jarocho, originating from the Veracruz region of Mexico. Recognized by its energetic footwork and playful interactions, this dance invites participants to engage with the rhythms of son jarocho music. The roots of el chuchumbé can be traced back to the same cultural influences that shaped son jarocho, including Indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions. This connection highlights the complex history of the region, particularly the impact of enslaved Africans who contributed their musical styles and rhythms. El chuchumbe holds significant cultural importance, serving as a means of expression and identity for communities that practice it. Often performed at weddings and festivals, the dance fosters social cohesion and brings people together in celebration. Its dynamic nature encourages participation from all ages, making it a vibrant part of cultural festivities. Ultimately, el chuchumbé embodies the resilience and joy within Afro-Mexican communities, celebrating their heritage while instilling a sense of pride. As such, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of son jarocho music and the rich tapestry of traditions that continue to thrive in contemporary Mexican culture.
"Fiesta jarocha" - Fandango y son jarocho.
Fandango, as demonstrated in the video above, is a traditional celebration central to the performance of son jarocho music, which originates from Veracruz, Mexico. This event combines music, dance, and community, creating a space for social interaction and cultural expression. As the Chicano group Cambalache describes, “In the spirit of the fandango, a traditional celebration of music and dance, Cambalache engages its audience through participatory performances” (Winick, Homegrown Plus: Cambalache's Mexican American Son Jarocho from California: Folklife Today, 2023). Furthermore, "Fandangos are at the heart of Son Jarocho. They're kind of like jam sessions, where musicians gather to play, sing, and dance around a wooden platform called a tarima"(Arcos, A Musical Style That Unites Mexican-Americans), thus enhancing the shared and interactive spirit of the celebration. This creates a sense of belonging and shared heritage as community members gather to celebrate their cultural roots. Historically, fandango reflects the diverse influences of Indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures that shaped son jarocho. Its vibrant atmosphere preserves the music and strengthens community bonds, making it an enduring symbol of cultural resilience and identity. Through fandango, the stories and traditions of the past continue to thrive, reinforcing the connection between Son Jarocho music and the communities that cherish it.
Bibliography
Arcos, Betto. “A Musical Style That Unites Mexican-Americans.” NPR, October 28, 2011.
Lehmer, Larry. “La bamba”—ritchie valens (1958). Accessed September 25, 2024.
Valencia, Paola. “¿Cuáles Son Los Instrumentos Del Son Jarocho? 6 Instrumentos Claves Del Género Veracruzano: Blog Do Cifra Club.” Cifra Club. Accessed September 25, 2024.
Winick, Stephen. “Fandango: Convivial Sharing: Folklife Today.” The Library of Congress, September 4, 2014.
Winick, Stephen. “Homegrown plus: Cambalache’s Mexican American Son Jarocho from California: Folklife Today.” The Library of Congress, April 26, 2023.
Panopto Video
