Sombrero Mexicano

The exact origin of the Mexican sombrero is unknown, but it is usually accepted that the sombrero is believed to have evolved from the broad-brimmed hats worn by Spanish colonists and Mestizo cowboys in Central Mexico.

These hats were influenced by earlier European styles, which can be traced back to the Mongol horsemen of the 13th century. In hot climates, broad-brimmed hats were crucial for protection against the harsh sunlight.

In Mexico, the sombrero became an essential part of the traditional attire of the Mestizo cowboys in the central regions. As Mexican ranching culture developed, so did the need for practical headgear, which led to the creation of the sombrero with its iconic wide brim.

The sombrero became also an integral part of Mexican folk music and dance.

Mariachi musicians and charros, who are known for their horsemanship, commonly wear sombreros to complete their distinctive outfits, adding a sense of grandeur and tradition to performances and celebrations.

Over time, the sombrero became not just a functional item but also a symbol of Mexican pride and identity.

Many early Texan cowboys adopted the Mexican wide-brim sombreros. In the Western of the USA, the sombrero had a high conical or cylindrical crown with a saucer-shaped brim, highly embroidered and made of plush felt.

The Mexican variation of the sombrero added an even wider brim and a high, conical crown. These are the hats worn by mariachi musicians and charros. Both types of sombreros usually include a chin strap.

Although sombrero is usually taken to refer to traditional Mexican headwear, the term sombrero predates this item of clothing and is and has been applied to different styles of hat, since it is the actual word “hat” in Spanish.

Sombrero can be found in South America and Spain. Each type serves a distinct purpose, from daily wear and farming to performances and festivities, reflecting diverse cultural traditions across Spanish-speaking countries.

In the Philippines, due to the influence from Spain brought about by the Manila galleon trade. The term has been assimilated in the form of “sumbrero” and now refers to any hat, from actual sombreros to baseball caps.

Sombrero de Charro

This is the most iconic and recognizable type of sombrero. It features a tall, conical crown and an extra-wide, flat brim. It is typically made from felt or straw and is decorated with elaborate embroidery, often gold or silver thread.

The sombrero de charro is an essential part of the charro attire worn by Mexican cowboys and is famously associated with rodeos and mariachi performances.

Sombrero Poblano

The sombrero poblano, which originates from the Puebla region of Mexico, is similar to the sombrero de charro but has a slightly more relaxed style. It is often seen in rural Mexico, worn by farmers and ranchers.

Sombrero Vueltiao (Colombia)

A variant from Colombia, the sombrero vueltiao is made from caña fleha (a type of palm) and is known for its distinctive spiral pattern. This style is part of the cultural heritage of the Zenú people and is considered one of Colombia’s most recognized traditional hats.

Sombrero Cordobés (Spain)

Originating in Spain, this hat is typically made from felt or leather and has a slightly narrower brim than its Mexican counterpart. The sombrero cordobés is often worn by Spanish bullfighters and is characterized by its flat brim and rounded crown.

Sombrero Calañés (Spain)

Originating from the region of Andalusia in southern Spain, the sombrero calañés is made from felt or straw and is notable for its wide brim and slightly upturned edges. This style is popular in Spanish traditional dances such as flamenco.

Sombrero Festival, also known as Sombrero Fest, is a two-nation fiesta and an annual three-day pre-Lenten celebration held in Brownsville, Texas, United States. The grito – a joyous Mexican shout—opens the festivities every year.

This festival is a shared heritage celebration between the two border cities of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, and Brownsville, Texas. This festival is designed to enhance the spirit of Charro Days and to add to the festivities.

The Sombrero Festival is held in Washington Park in Brownsville, Texas. It was founded in 1986 by Danny Loff in order to enhance the spirit of Charro Days and to expand the activities available to the general public.

The Sombrero Festival includes a jalapeño eating contest, run/walk contests, music and dancers, food booths, and cooking competitions. The festival also features rock stars, corrido singers, and Tejano music performers.

Mr. Amigo Association, an organization that works for a friendly relationship with Matamoros and Brownsville, and to preserve the Charro Days and Sombrero Festival celebrations, became a part of Charro Days in 1967.

Sombrero Fest, a three-day Washington Park street party was added in 1986. It is worth mentioning that the first president of the Mr. Amigo Association was the former president of Mexico, Miguel Alemán Valdés.

During the 1988-1989 NAFTA agreement, the Mister Amigo Association was presented with the Mister Amigo Review Award for being one of the first organizations to spread friendship between the USA and Mexico.