In contemporary northeastern Mexico, it is known with certainty that the “picota” or “música de tambora” has been played since at least 1880. Although this makes it the oldest musical expression known from the region, few remnants have been found that reveal precise clues about its origin.

In the ranches of the border area that divides the states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo León, it is said that the picota was originally played during ceremonies to attract rain. In addition to being interpreted in agricultural activities in the countryside, the tamborazo – another name for the picota – was played in typical patron saint celebrations of magical-pagan origin, weddings, burials, processions, baptisms and convites, and has been preserved into modernity thanks to a tradition of apprenticeship.

Of the picota and many other ancient genres that survive the threats of globalization such as urbanization, economic oppression and the dispossession of land, much remains to be rescued and studied. As Manuel Peña Doria says, the dust that sings does not return to dust. It has a touch of eternity.

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