The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

DATING CUSTOMS IN MEXICO

THERE ARE REALLY NO SUCH THINGS AS DATING IN MEXICO, NOR IS THERE
ANY PETTING, HAND HOLDING, ETC., HOWEVER THERE IS ONE MAJOR GATHERING
WHICH COMMONLY OCCURS AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO MEET.
THIS IS A DANCE AT WHICH A MARICHI BAND PLAYS, IT IS USUALLY HELD
IN THE TOWN SQUARE OR CENTRAL PARK. THE GIRLS DANCE IN THE CENTER
OF A CIRCLE AND THE BOYS MAKE UP THE OUTER CIRCLE. DURING THE DANCE
IF A BOY SEES A GIRL HE WOULD LIKE TO TALK WITH HE GIVES HER A
FLOWER AND TIES A SCARF AROUND HER NECK, THE TWO TALK AS THE DANCE
GOES ON AND EVENTUALLY THEY LEAVE THE CIRCLE TO TALK.

Where learned: WESTERN YMCA

Keyword(s): MARIACHI

Date learned: 11-12-1971