por The culture of michoacan It is very rich and varied. It consists of representations in various areas. The gastronomy, the festivities, the dances and the crafts are just some examples of the cultural samples of this state.
In the gastronomy, dishes such as guacamole, uchepos and corundas (which are two types of tamales) and white fish stand out.
The festivities of Michoacán show the influence of the Catholic Church in this society. The day of the Virgin of Candelaria, the Virgin of Guadalupe and Holy Week are some of the examples of religious festivities that are celebrated in the state.
In Michoacán aboriginal traditions are still preserved. This is seen in some of the dances in which the old gods are praised. An example of this is the dance of the old men, which is of pre-Hispanic origin.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Michoacán benefits from agriculture and livestock, two activities that are practiced extensively in the state. Therefore, in the kitchen, vegetable ingredients abound, as well as red meat.
The influence of aboriginal cultures is also observed, especially the tascaranes that inhabit Michoacán.
The use of corn and fermentation are two elements inherited from the indigenous groups.
Among the most popular drinks, the charanda stands out, which is an alcoholic drink made from cane juice or other plant extracts. Quince liqueur is also widely drunk.
Among the typical dishes of the state, the following stand out:
corundas
They are a kind of triangular tamales. These are made with cornmeal and filled with meat or vegetable stew. The dough is wrapped in corn husks and boiled.
uchepos
They are made with elote, which is a type of sweet corn.
Churipo
Also known as a boat. This is a stew of pork, beef and chicken. It is characterized by its spicy flavor.
guacamole
It is the specialty of Michoacán. This sauce is made with avocado, onion, coriander, and hot peppers.
White fish
It is made with fish, egg, olive oil and garlic.
tie
This dessert is a kind of jam.
goat’s milk carton
The cajetas are usually wooden containers that have various compartments. A sweet is placed in each compartment.
In this case, the sweets will be made from goat’s milk. For a change, cloves, cinnamon, chocolate or lemon or orange peel zest are added to each one, among other accompaniments.
capirotada
It is a dessert that is eaten during Holy Week. It is a white bread pudding to which cheese, raisins, cactus fruits and peanuts are added. When it is already cooked, it is covered with syrup.
Traditional holidays
Epiphany
Epiphany is celebrated on January 6. During this day the famous rosca de reyes is made, which is a traditional cake. When the bagel is being prepared, a figure of the baby Jesus is hidden.
The person who gets the figure of the baby Jesus in his portion of cake will be in charge of preparing the tamale dinner on Candlemas day.
Candlemas day
Candlemas Day is celebrated on February 2 of each year. It is part of the tradition that the person who has been selected during the epiphany prepares the tamales for dinner on this day.
Carnival
The carnival is celebrated between February and March; the date varies depending on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
During the carnival there are parades with floats, concerts, gastronomic fairs, bullfights, among others.
Easter
Holy Week takes place forty days after carnival.
In these seven days, processions are made that represent the passion of Christ, his death and his resurrection. It is customary to visit seven temples in the state and attend masses at midnight.
Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead is on November 2 of each year. However, the celebrations are held from October 31, which is the day in which the other countries celebrate Halloween.
It is a tradition in Michoacán (and throughout Mexico) to spend these days in cemeteries to share with deceased family and friends.
It is customary to bring the favorite food of the deceased and other typical products of the date, such as bread of the dead, sugar skulls and egg salad.
In addition, altars are made on the tombstones in the cemetery. These altars contain flowers, lighted candles, photos, fruit, and food.
dances
The typical dance of the state is the dance of the old men, which is also practiced in other areas of the country. This dance is of pre-Hispanic origin and is done in honor of the gods of the aboriginal tribes.
Each of the dancers represents a god, such as fire, time, the Sun, rain, among others. These dancers wear masks made from corn husks. On these sheets smiley faces are painted.
The dance is divided into three phases. In the first phase, the dancers move with slow and clumsy steps, which seek to represent old age.
In the second phase, a change is seen in the way the dancers move. Slowly, the steps become more fluid.
Finally, in the third phase the old people move like young people. For this reason, this dance has become a way of asking the gods for health and vitality.
Craft
Various crafts are carried out in Michoacán, among which pottery, blacksmithing, the textile industry, saddlery and carpentry stand out.
For example, clay and ceramic vessels and figures are made; blankets and clothing made of vegetable fiber; leather goods, such as hats, belts and saddles; wooden furniture and toys, among others.
the butterfly houses
The butterfly farmers on the island of Janitzio, next to Lake Pátzcuaro, deserve special mention. In it, every day small canoes go out to sail with fishermen who use nets in the shape of butterfly wings. A unique and very beautiful spectacle considering the landscape.