Michoacán

The Martínez Rosas family opens the doors of their home to the public and invites us to discover their culture. To the rhythm of pirekua music and the abajeño sonority, they bring to life not the past, but the indigenous present that accompanies the ensemble in their daily lives—from life at home and patron saint festivals to the farewells of those who leave their homeland. 

The pirekua, a traditional Purépecha song, addresses themes ranging from historical events, religion, and nature to political ideas and love. Accompanied by slow, rhythmic beats, it constitutes an important oral tradition based on the use of song as a means of mediating conflicts, communicating significant events among communities, and building bonds between them. These songs have been passed down through generations and were declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

On the other hand, the abajeño sonority, also considered a fundamental pillar of the Purépecha people’s identity, unfolds in a festive atmosphere of foot-stomping and celebration. This genre tells stories of flowers, festivities, and love, while, with trumpets and trombones, it captures the attention of the community’s youth in order to keep the tradition alive.