Traditional Folk

Son jarocho is one of the most characteristic genres of traditional Mexican music, which originated in the east of the country. It combines Spanish, African and Native American rhythms. Son jarocho is known for its vibrant, danceable energy and improvisational spirit. This makes it an indispensable part of folk festivals and street performances. In the global music scene, it occupies a niche as an ethnic and folk genre, having had a significant influence on the development of Latin American popular music.

Musically, son jarocho is built around stringed instruments, among which the harana, a small guitar with five pairs of strings, occupies a central place. It is complemented by the requinto (a high-pitched accompanying instrument, often played with a plectrum) and the charrocha harp, which adds depth and a rhythmic foundation, as well as zapateado - rhythmic foot tapping on a wooden platform, which serves not only as a dance but also as percussion. The vocals are often improvisational, and the lyrics are poetic, humorous or satirical, performed in the form of poetic ‘dimes’.

The origins of son harocho date back to the 17th-18th centuries, when Veracruz was one of the main ports of New Spain. Trade routes between Europe, Africa and America passed through it. African slaves brought rhythmic structures and percussion elements, while Spanish colonisers brought harmony and the form of couplet songs. Local peoples added their own melodic features and poetic traditions. By the end of the century, son jarocho had become an independent genre with a distinct regional flavour, spreading throughout eastern Mexico. In the mid-20th century, thanks to radio broadcasts and the first recordings of ensembles, it began to be perceived as a symbol of Mexican identity.

Over time, the genre gained recognition not only in Mexico but also beyond its borders. International media and ethnomusicological studies pay attention to son jarocho as an example of a sustainable folk practice that has remained relevant in the 21st century. Today, son jarocho is perceived not simply as a genre, but as a cultural phenomenon that unites generations and regions.