Today, the music of Veracruz called "Son Jarocho", which is very cheerful, reflects both a Spanish influence and that of the Tocanoca Indian culture; it is fast, light and rustic.
The
"fiesta" dances called "Huapangos", of which "la
Bamba" is the most popular one, are accompanied by a group of three
or four musician-singers and instruments like the walking harp, the "requinto",
a small high-pitched guitar, and the "jarana", which is
similar to the "ukelele". The crystalline sound of the harp,
the slapping of the guitars strings, and the high-vioces of the singers
constitute the principal characteristics of their music.The "Zapateado",
exalted by the lively spirit of the Jarocho people, is derived from the
Spanish rhythms of "Seguidillas", "Peteneras", "Sevillanas"
as well as from the "Flamenco".