The Jarabe Tapatio symbolizes the courtship of a man and woman. At the beginning of the dance, the woman rejects her potential suitor. As the dance progresses, she relents and accepts him. The dance ends with a feigned kiss hidden behind a fan.
Male and female dancers wear colorful garments: the black charro suit and hat for him, and the heavily embroidered and sequined China Poblana dress for her.
The Jarabe Tapatio is a medley of dance styles originating from different parts of Mexico, including the states of Jalisco and Michoacan. This dance gained international attention after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova saw the dance performed during a trip to Mexico in 1919. Captivated by the costumes and Mexican culture, she made the Jarabe Tapatio a part of her permanent repertoire.