Before students, parents, and teachers, teacher Alicia Romero Ávila gave the workshop “A journey through the cultural identity of the State of Yucatán” as part of the project “Fiestas of colors, roots, and joys of Mexico” at the “Pioneer Elementary School” in Ontario, Oregon in the United States, within the Binational Migrant Education Program (Probem) and the Mexico-United States Teacher Exchange Program 2024.
Through this workshop, the educational community of Oregon participated in a day of activities that included the use of the typical Yucatan costume, the traditional Yucatecan Bombas, and the vibrant jarana, in a display of the cultural richness and diversity that gives life to the Yucatecan traditions.
“I decided to represent something very characteristic of our beloved state because I wanted them to know what Mexico is like, through the wonders of the Yucatecan Peninsula. They were fascinated with the embroidery of the hipiles and their vibrant colors, with the dance, and with each of our cultural expressions. In addition, they could enjoy the fun and picturesque side of the Yucatecan bombs,” added Alicia Romero Ávila from Mérida.
Wearing the Yucatecan costume, the teacher began the workshop with a sample and exhibition of the elements that make up the typical dress of Yucatecan women, highlighting the vibrant colors and the Mayan embroidery of the “xokbil chuuy” (counted thread), on each hipil and terno; she also talked about the accessories that accompany the clothing, such as flowers, filigree jewelry, the shawl, and white shoes, among other elements.
Subsequently, the participants learned about the picturesque side of the state, through the traditional Yucatecan “Bombas” with their rhymes and phrases, which are told with emotion and feeling. Still, the most emotional moment was the staging of the choreography of the Yucatecan jarana melody “The Women Who Are Painted,” transmitting the joy and festive spirit that characterizes the typical dance of the patron saint and dairy festivals.
Alicia Romero, a teacher from Mérida, during a workshop about Yucatecan traditions, at an elementary school in Oregon.
“I felt a deep emotion as I saw how people became increasingly aware of and interested in the rich cultural diversity of our state. This feeling of pride in my roots and the fortune of being able to take part in Yucatán abroad filled my heart. Watching the delighted faces while they enjoyed the typical dance transported me to an authentic Yucatecan “vaquería,” added the teacher.
Alicia Romero explained that for four weeks she worked with children from 3 to 6 years old and their families, showing the richness of the identity, traditions, and culture of Mexico and Yucatan. During this period, participants discovered traditional games, festivities, and emblematic archaeological sites. Even, due to the great impact and interest generated by the educational community, students, and mothers, they will present the number “The Women Who Are Painted”, at the closing of the project “Festivals of Colors, Roots, and Joys of Mexico”, which It will take place on Tuesday, July 2.
TYT Newsroom
