In Spanish, the term “jarana” means “racket” or “noisy party”. However, throughout Mexico, “jarana” refers to the main dance of Yucatecan popular celebrations. A true manifestation of the mixing of artistic traditions, the jarana both attracts and enraptures, possibly as a result of the elegant cadence of its steps or the solemn stance of dancers as they tap their feet. The resounding music is usually played by a typical jarana orchestra, consisting of two clarinets, two trumpets, two trombones, a “güiro” (a dry gourd with numerous slits, stricken with a thin stick to make a scratchy sound) and a set of timbales (tropical music kettledrums). Jarana music derived from old regional rhythms known as “sones”, but it is also a combination of European rhythms and ancient musical expressions of the Maya people. Strictly speaking, no special attire is needed to dance a jarana. However, female dancers usually wear a typical Yucatecan “hipil” or, even better, a “terno de gala” (the full dress version of an “hipil”), white high-heeled shoes and a Santa Maria shawl. The traditional men’s attire consists of white drill pants, a white silk or linen loose-fitting shirt (known as “guayabera”), a Panama hat, a red scarf hanging from one of the pockets, and Yucatecan leather sandals (known as “alpargatas”). Traditional Yucatecan attire is known as “traje de mestizo/mestiza”. There are many free traditional dance shows through the year; however, you should try and go to a true “vaqueria”, the traditional festivals in which villages honor their Patron Saint. Though dances in these festivals may be less spectacular, they certainly make for a more authentic experience.