Here in the Yucatán Peninsula and our home state of Quintana, there is a variety of folkloric dances. These wonderfully colorful dances and the accompanying music are called Jarana Yucateca.The music and dance of the Jarana have a long history, dating back at least two centuries. A distinct mix of indigenous and Spanish influences, Jarana also has other influences. Since the arrival of the Spanish, many other groups have made the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula their home. As a result, the Jarana is also a blend of Cuban, African and other influences.

Indeed, in Carrillo, we’re lucky to see these great dances at festivals, events, and even school graduations! In this video, you can watch Nicte Há, a dance group from Carrillo performing a Jarana called El Torito at a school graduation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By1Bqvnd484

Last month, to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day, there was a big fiesta in el Parque Central with some great folkloric dancing. In this short video, you can watch a dance group performing 

El Baile de las Cintas - The Ribbon Dance - on stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOh8FN_Z0-w

You too can enjoy the unique culture of the Yucatán Peninsula in the heart of the Zona Maya for yourself! Live the language and the culture by choosing Na'atik for your language immersion experience. We offer Spanish and Maya immersion classes, so to find out more about our Study Abroad Yucatán program by clicking here.