What is Traditional Mexican Music Called?

Matic Magister

Dec 25, 2024

Mexican music is rich, diverse, and deeply embedded in the country's cultural heritage. Influenced by Indigenous, European, and African traditions, it spans a variety of musical genres and performance styles, each with a story of its own. Music has been an important vehicle for Mexican nationalism since the nineteenth century, showcasing a proud and colorful history. Let's take a closer look at the types of traditional Mexican music that have shaped the nation's soundscape.

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Northern Mexican Folk Music

Northern Mexican folk music, also known as Norteño, is one of the most iconic music styles that originated in Mexico. Influenced by German, Polish, and Czech immigrants who came to the northern regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States during the mid-1800s, the Norteño style brought with it the use of the accordion, which remains a defining feature of this genre.

There are several popular styles of northern Mexican folk music, including Ranchera, Corrido, Huapango, Chotís, Polka, Redova, and Banda. Many of these styles continue to have a significant influence on Mexican culture, both domestically and internationally.

Northern Mexican Folk Music Genres

Corrido: Corrido is a popular narrative song and poetic form—essentially a ballad—that often tells stories of historical heroes, important social issues, or notable events. Themes can include love stories, legendary characters, and rural adventures. It has its roots in Mexican rural culture, portraying the challenges, triumphs, and romanticized lives of those who live on the frontier. Some famous corridos include songs about women, such as "La Venganza de Maria," "Laurita Garza," and "La tragedia de Rosita."

Ranchera: Ranchera, a genre whose name comes from the word "rancho," is one of the best-known forms of traditional Mexican music. Typically performed in a major key, rancheras have rhythms such as 2/4 (corrido), 3/4 (waltz-like), or 4/4 (romantic). The genre has a range of themes, often emphasizing patriotism, love, and nature. José Alfredo Jiménez is widely regarded as one of the most important representatives of Ranchera music.

Banda: Banda music emerged during the Second Mexican Empire, inspired by military bands brought to Mexico by Emperor Maximilian I in the 1860s. The genre was popularized during the Mexican Revolution, and the brass band format remains a signature aspect of Banda. Today, it is most commonly associated with the state of Sinaloa, where many famous Banda bands originated.

Central Mexican Folk Music

Central Mexico's folk music retains a strong Spanish influence, seen both in the instruments used and in the colonial history of many cities in this region, including Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, and Zacatecas. One of the most iconic figures from this area is the Mexican charro, a horseman typically found in the state of Jalisco, often seen performing in the traditional music ensembles of central Mexico.

The best-known style of music from central Mexico is Mariachi. This ensemble style, which consists of five or more musicians, includes instruments such as the violin, vihuela, guitar, guitarrón, and trumpet. Mariachi songs cover topics such as love, betrayal, death, revolutionary heroes, and country life. The genre was first developed in the southern part of Jalisco in the 19th century and later popularized in the city of Guadalajara—known today as the "Capital of Mariachi."

Central Mexican Folk Music Genres

Mariachi: A style that represents Mexican culture on an international level, Mariachi ensembles typically perform Ranchera, Son de Mariachi, Huapango, and other folk styles. The vibrant sound of violins, guitars, vihuelas, and trumpets makes Mariachi an unforgettable element of Mexican folk traditions.

Tamborazo Zacatecano: Originating in Villanueva, Zacatecas, Tamborazo Zacatecano is a banda style that makes heavy use of brass instruments—notably trumpets and saxophones. Compared to traditional Banda, Tamborazo maintains a consistent drumbeat and uses saxophones instead of clarinets.

Southern Mexican Folk Music

Southern Mexico is characterized by an even stronger blend of cultural influences, primarily due to its location near important port cities such as Veracruz and Acapulco. These cities have brought waves of immigration from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, and Asia. Some of the most popular folk styles in this region are Son Jarocho, Chilena, Jarana Yucateca, Bolero, and Abajeño.

Southern Mexican Folk Music Genres

Son Jarocho: Son Jarocho is a regional style originating in Veracruz that draws heavily from African influence. It gained some international acclaim with hits like "La Bamba," and the most famous performer in this genre is Graciana Silva. Traditional Son Jarocho bands often feature jarana guitars and requintos instead of a harp.

Chilena: Chilena, a genre from the Costa Chica region of Oaxaca and Guerrero, owes its name and influence to the Chilean cueca dance, brought by Chilean sailors and miners in the early 19th century. The music reflects the spirit and energy of the people of the Costa Chica, with a distinctive rhythm and performance style that have endured over time.

Viberate Music Analytics and Mexican Music

For those wondering what is Mexican music called, it's important to note that Mexican music includes a variety of styles—from the northern Corrido and Banda to the southern Son Jarocho and Chilena. Each style reflects different cultural influences and regional identities, showing just how diverse the music of Mexico truly is. that help artists, managers, and music enthusiasts understand these diverse musical landscapes. The platform analyzes over 100 genres, including Mexican music, providing insights for industry professionals, A&Rs, music marketers, event organizers, and more.

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Whether you're interested in Mexican folk music or any other genre, Viberate's extensive data analytics can offer a deeper understanding of music trends, audience behavior, and more. From Norteño to Mariachi, each musical tradition offers a window into the rich cultural tapestry that makes Mexico's musical heritage so unique.