Las Chiapanecas facts for kids

Las Chiapanecas (pronounced Lahs Chee-ah-pah-NEH-kahs) means "The Women of Chiapas." It's a very famous traditional song from Chiapas, a beautiful state in southern Mexico. This lively tune has become like an unofficial anthem for Chiapas, known and loved by many.

Who Created Las Chiapanecas?

There's been some discussion about who first created the melody for "Las Chiapanecas." Most people agree that the music was composed by a talented musician named Bulmaro López Fernández (1878–1960). He was born in a town called Chiapa de Corzo in Chiapas.

Inspiration for the Melody

Bulmaro López Fernández was inspired by the beautiful traditional clothes worn by women from Chiapas. His fiancée at the time often wore these colorful outfits. After he got married and later passed away, his wife, Juana María Vargas, kept the original music notes.

Adding Words to the Song

Later, a musician and composer named Juan Arozamena (1899–1926) helped make the song even more famous. He was born in Mexico City. Juan Arozamena often performed the melody. He also wrote the well-known words that go along with the music. Famous singers like Nat King Cole even used these words in their performances and recordings!

The Dance of Las Chiapanecas

Over time, people started adding dance moves to "Las Chiapanecas." These dances are usually performed by women. They often wear the traditional, colorful dresses of Chiapas. The dance adds even more life and joy to the already cheerful song.

What the Song Is About

The words added by Juan Arozamena tell a sweet story. They talk about someone picking a flower and riding a horse through the mountains to a ranch. The song is a loving message to a "lovely flower of April," asking her to accept his passion. It also describes a happy dance starting when night falls, where a "Chiapaneca" (a woman from Chiapas) is the queen of the dance. It's a song about love, beauty, and the joy of dancing.

See also

In Spanish: Las chiapanecas (melodía) para niños