Ballet Folklóico de México – Palacio de Bellas Artes

I’ve saved the best for last. You didn’t think I would go to Mexico City and not see a show in one of the most beautiful theater venues in the world?  Of course, I did. This website is called La Teatrera after all. Ballet Folklórico de México was founded in 1952 by Amalia Hernández, aiming to showcase the culture and beauty of Mexico from pre-Columbian to revolutionary times.

I was lucky enough to have a seat in the very front row. The show was comprised of various dances and singing, showcasing different eras of Mexican history and cultural dances from across Mexico. The Charreada, which showcases a man dancing with a lasso, arises from equestrian and livestock activities. This dance was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Another dance recognized by UNESCO is La Danza del Venado, or deer dance, from the state of Sonora. There were also dances to folkloric tales, such as La Vida es Juego, a dance based on Mexican toys and games, where the game is controlled by a charismatic devil.  But my favorite dances were the pure Mexican culture, with mariachis and charros. Bright costumes, flowing skirts, vigorous percussive footwork. It was a feast for the senses.

As much as I loved the dancing and the storytelling, which I did love, my favorite parts of the show as the music. 15ish musicians, mostly older men, playing violins, trumpets, guitars and harps! Who knew that my favorite part of the show would be a dueling harp battle between two 70ish year-old men? These men were good and they were killing it.

I have some old, old pictures of my great-grandparents hanging with family and neighbors in South Texas in the 1920s. There are always a number of men in these pictures holding their instruments. Seeing this show, highlighting the importance of music in Mexican culture, made me think of my great-grandparents, and their parents, and the times they must have spent playing and listening to just this type of folk songs.

When I purchased my ticket from Seattle, I was a little concerned that this show would be overly touristy. While this show is a showcase for Mexico, it is amazing. The show tours sometimes in the US. If you have the chance to see it do it!

This post wraps up my recent time in Mexico City. I hope I shared my love for the city, the food and the people. If you have the chance to visit and were hesitant for one reason or another, I hope I have shared enough to push you into going!