Son Jarocho Ensemble to Bring Mexican Music to Paris

The Chicana/Chicano Studies Department at the University of New Mexico (UNM) is thrilled to announce that its Son Jarocho ensemble will be taking part in the 10th Edition Encuentro.

The tenth edition will take place in Paris, France, from June 23-25. This prestigious event brings together top Son Jarocho musicians from around the world. Participants will have the chance to share their music, poetry, and songs at the event Their regional styles are featured.

“Music can be an effective tool to confront the problems people face in daily life,” says Maestra
Laura Rebolloso. “I see the revival of Son Jarocho and Fandango as a collaborative cultural
movement that has the power to unite people, create communities, and break barriers and
borders.”

Son Jarocho is a style of music that originated in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Being characterized by Its lively rhythms and use of traditional instruments, such as the jarana (a small guitar-like instrument) make it unique In addition to instruments, there are also cajones, tarimas, harps, and quijadas (jawbones of animals) donkey or horse used as a percussion instrument). The style is distinctive because it incorporates a variety of influences, a musical blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish styles, reflecting the region’s multicultural heritage.

Traditionally performed at informal gatherings, called Fandangos, by musicians throughout history, dancers have shared music, dance, and poetry together, and have played an important role in preserving these traditions Veracruz’s cultural heritage. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognized them in 2011.

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In recent years, Son Jarocho has gained a lot of popularity outside of Mexico, especially in the United States, Mexican Americans and Chicano/o/x have embraced the genre communities. In Son Jarocho lyrics, community histories and experiences are typically reflected

“We want to create an environment where students feel that they will fit academically and
culturally. We have a community space where everyone can participate – students and
community members, especially people with no musical experience,” says Gustavo Garcia. “To
that end, we recently received a grant from the Alfonso Ortiz Center for Intercultural Studies to
purchase custom made instruments from Mexico and to offer free, accessible, and bilingual
music classes as a way to preserve and share Son Jarocho traditions.”

Often used to protest US immigration by building community resistance In addition to policy, there are other political concerns. CCS Department’s Son Jarocho ensemble consists of students and community members. This important musical tradition is preserved and shared by members who are dedicated to preserving it. Currently, Mexican CCS PhD student Laura Rebolloso leads a group of renowned musicians a group of sons. 

She played an important role in the revival of the genre in the early 2000s

In the U.S., widespread awareness has been achieved. It is now she who sparks New Mexico’s continued interest among UNM students and the community at large. There are two sessions of Son Jarocho classes available each year: spring and summer. Located at the University of New Mexico’s Chicana Studies department, these courses are taught by Laura Rebolloso. This academic year, PhD Candidates Gustavo Garcia and Natalia Toscano, Laura Rebolloso and Ruben Loza, MA students, organized music workshops for Albuquerque residents and community members.