Pirekuas of Michoacan an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The pirekuas of
Michoacán are a legacy of the Purépecha culture to the world; recognized by
UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
Pirekua is the traditional song of the Purépechas communities. Our guests
at Hotel Mansión Iturbe continually ask us what pirekuas are,
being one of the six World Heritage Sites of Michoacán.
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| Pirekuas of Michoacan an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity |
Pirekua means singing or song. It has its origins prior to the
arrival of the Spanish. Later, during the evangelization in the sixteenth
century, music was one of the elements used by the friars to achieve their
mission. In this way, the Franciscans and Augustinians taught the original
people music and singing; producing a combination of the “new” music with the
existing, familiar songs of the indigenous.
These skilled and virtuous peoples have
managed to maintain this tradition that they have passed down for
generations. It is a particular sense of their identity and an instrument
of dialogue in families and communities. Pirekua is a sample of the
rich Purépecha Culture.
Pirekuas are sung to the so-called Pireri. It can be executed by
a soloist, duets, threesomes, orchestras, etc. Various instruments of
pre-Hispanic origin are used some, such as flutes; as well as instruments they
learned to produce, using the techniques brought by the evangelizers during the
time of Don Vasco de Quiroga.
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| Pirekuas of Michoacan an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity |
To perform the pirekuas of
Michoacán, today magnificent musical instruments are used, produced in
communities of Michoacán, such as the world-famous guitars made in Paracho.
Pirekuas are typically performed at a slow and
harmonious pace. Thus we find beautiful pirekuas with
guitar, which we can listen to in Purépecha – which is a delight – as well as
in Spanish. Some are combination of both, which makes us value Purépecha
culture even more. Through pirekuuas, we hear stories of the
Purépecha, narrated through these melodies.
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| Pirekuas of Michoacan an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity |
We do, however, find compositions with a
faster rhythm, such as the abajeños (from the lowlands) which
we can hear with ”wind bands” and that serve as an accompaniment for many
dances. These are a fundamental part of many festivities, and in Pátzcuaro
it is common to hear these bands on pilgrimage through our Magic Village in and
around the Vasco de Quiroga Square, passing in front of our very own Hotel Mansión Iturbe.
Music and dance are fundamental parts of
Michoacán's culture, often presented in various festivities and celebrations,
such as during the incomparable Night of the Dead in the region of Lake Pátzcuaro, Carnival with the traditional "Torito de Petate",
and Holy Week.
Traditional Dances of Michoacan
If you want to delve deeper into the
knowledge and enjoy this genre, we recommend that you attend the Zacán
Festival, which takes place every year in October in that town of the
Purépecha Plateau.
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| Michoacan Folklore: Dance of the Old Men |
There are many pirekuas that
you will delight in, if you like traditional Mexican music. Some of some
of the more famous pirekuas, so representative of Michoacán,
are Flor de Canela, La Josefinita, Male Severiana, Magnolia or Pescadito.
Among the more
representative sones are Cara
de Pingo, El de Suchito, Arriba Pichátaro, La Danza de los Viejitos, o
La Danza del Pescado.
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| Dance of the Old Men in Patzcuaro, Michoacan |
Google any of these; you will find all or
most of them on YouTube.
Take time to discover this legacy of Purépecha culture, a
tradition that lives in Michoacán.
*Text, pictures & video property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.
We invite you to check more post in our blog, you will find information about Pátzcuaro and its surroundings, that we hope will be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico.
Hotel Mansión Iturbe
Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
61600 Pátzcuaro, Michoacán.
México
Más información sobre nuestro Hotel en Pátzcuaro
Reservaciones en línea en Hotel Mansión Iturbe
Tel: +52 (434) 342 0368 / 342 3628
Fax: +52(434) 342 3627
Toll Free fax number USA & CANADA: 1-866 678 6102
Más información sobre nuestro Hotel en Pátzcuaro
Reservaciones en línea en Hotel Mansión Iturbe
Tel: +52 (434) 342 0368 / 342 3628
Fax: +52(434) 342 3627
Toll Free fax number USA & CANADA: 1-866 678 6102
CODIGOS GDS
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