Viva México! a History of the Sombrero de Charro

A symbol and in some ways stereotype of its home country of Mexico, the Sombrero de Charro, simply known around the world as the Sombrero, is a highly distinctive and recognizable hat, from its use in mariachi bands and charrerias to its controversial wear at cinco de mayo, it nonetheless unambiguously says "Mexico" wherever you see it.

Thank you to Julian Zugazagoitia for help with the Spanish intro.

The sombrero I wear in this video was comes from a market in Mexico City

Title sequence designed by Alexandre Mahler

This video was done for entertainment and educational purposes. No copyright infringement of any sort was intended.

[iguessifyousayso]

Mexican here; Nothing wrong with non-mexicans wearing a sombrero. The issue is when it is worn to mock or seen as a costume. You are wearing it respectfully so I have no issue. Plus you are wearing a charro suit from what I can see. Great video!

[andreward]

Great video, as a Mexican I agree with your point of view. We are not offended if a foreigner wears a sobrero per se, it's actually cool to see foreign people wearing it. But if someone just uses it to mock or disrespect the country it's obviously not okey.

[marjoe]

As some one fron Guadalajara, thank you for spreading out traditions tonthe non spanish speaking world. One can argue without the sombrero american cowboy hats would look alot different.

[randomfractal]

My grandparents are from the area where the sombrero de charro evolved. Even my great grandparents didnt wear it in their commissioned portraits, but it was common for many in that time because they were rancheros on horseback. You and others who wear it elegantly and respectfuly do credit to this part of our beloved culture. Thanks

[nickyc]

Do you do requests? Can you do the Colombian vueltiao? This is so cool :)

[RobertLiesenfeld]

I continue to be surprised at how enjoyable the history of hats can be to learn about. You're an excellent presenter, I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[bikegames]

I was born in New Mexico. Does that count? Seriously, this was another fine video. You continue to be awesome.

[robertosanchez]

Thank you so much for this video! I learned a lot! I was born in Mexico but raised in the U.S and I have always longed to learn more about my culture! The Jarabe Tapatio was a song I knew only by name and I had no clue what the meaning of it was. I was so excited to learn its symbolism!!! I am totally gonna do that dance at my wedding by Gods grace lol
Again thanks for the video, it was really well made! God bless you!

[colete]

Man since I found your channel I watched all your videos, I hope it only continues to grow❤
Also as a Mexican I really appreciate this video in particular 🔥

[Beery]

There are plenty of photos of Zapata in a suit and tie and without a sombrero de charro. In fact, the photo that shows him at his least dressy is one where he wears a suit jacket and no hat, so it's unlikely he wore the sombrero de charro to show his affinity with the working class. He had no need to do so, since the land reform policies he advocated spoke volumes about where his loyalties lay. His secretary during the war said that Zapata took pride in his appearance, and routinely wore what, in those days, were expensive clothes.

[martiglesias]

The origins from this style of clothes and hat is in Spain (Salamanca).

[worldtraveler]

When I was little growing up here in west Texas it was rather common to see some of the older hispanics wearing their sombreros when puttering about the yard, you never really saw it so much when they were working as you usually saw Cowboy hats or ball caps but what I now see as an adult are most of your older hispanics whether it being at work or putting around in the yard there wearing ball caps!!! 🤠👍

[JorgeCarlosGómez-rn]

And your Spanish is quite good, congrats.

[rawcrazycomrade]

As a Mexican we don't care what you do with the hat. You make me want to get one tbh

[jonasmcrae]

Great video! As a Mexican, me quito el sombrero!

[lartu]

I love this channel so much, amazing video!

[busterbrown]

I’m loving all your videos. Along with the history of a particular hat you provide great cultural insights. The respect you give to everyone you mention makes me think you love humanity as much as hats. I tip my hat to YOU!

[raulgutierrezconstante]

There is an area of Mexico called "Los Altos" in Jalisco state ( "The Highlands" ), this area is populated by the descendants of Spanish and French settlers in various towns across the area, most people are white. My family comes from La Unión de San Antonio and looking at you I'm literally looking at one of my relatives, so you do look "mexican" wearing that outfit. My grandfather dressed like you are dressing now. At 80 he was still horseback riding all over his hacienda.

[carloszenil]

A very interesting video; as mexicans we like that our culture is appreciate for foreigners. Thanks for speaking the introduction in spanish and wear your hat with pride.
¡Saludos desde México!

[revjohnlee]

In the 8th grade, I began at a military school. This continued through high school and college. I got used to wearing a hat, especially when outside. I also began to acquire hats of different types for different occasion, often spending absurd sums for something I wore only for a single event. It doesn't matter. I treasure them all and have thoroughly enjoyed your channel since finding it a few days ago. Strangely enough, I have been most interested in the military headgear you have featured even though that is the smallest proportion of my hat collection. Thank you.