Huapango is a type of Mexican music. The name probably comes from the Nahuatl word cuauhpanco, which means "on top of the wood," referring to a wooden platform where dancers perform a style of dance called zapateado. Huapango is played in different ways. The most common forms are the classic huapango, played by a group of three musicians called a trio huasteco; the huapango norteño, played by a group called a conjunto norteño; and the huapango de mariachi, which is performed by a large group of musicians.

Huapango huasteco(son huasteco)

The classical trio huasteco includes a violin, a huapanguera, and a jarana huasteca. The classical huapango has a complex rhythm that combines duple and triple meters. This rhythm matches the complex steps of the dance. When the musicians sing (in a duet with a high-pitched voice), the violin pauses, and the zapateado (the rhythm made by heels hitting the floor) becomes softer. The huapango is performed by men and women who dance as couples. A popular version of the huapango is called El querreque. In this version, two singers take turns in a lively and humorous exchange.

Huapango arribeño

Huapango arribeño or son arribeño is a type of music from the "zona media" region, which includes parts of San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, and Guanajuato. It is traditionally played with four instruments: the jarana huasteca, the huapanguera, and two violins. The lyrics are usually made up on the spot and sung in the style of décimas, which are poems with verses. Guillermo Velázquez is a well-known musician who plays this style.

Huapango norteño

The huapango norteño is a fast dance in 8. This dance style and rhythm were part of early conjunto norteño music. It is performed by conjunto norteño, which are musical groups from the northern regions. The instruments used in this type of group include accordion, bajo sexto, double bass, drums, and saxophone.

Huapango de mariachi

The huapango in mariachi music has changing rhythm patterns that are similar to those in son jaliscience. Both major and minor keys are used in the music. A special feature is the use of a high-pitched singing voice by the vocalist. Another feature is the use of fast and complex violin parts for the beginnings and breaks in the music. Famous songs include "Rogaciano el huapanguero," "Cucurrucucú paloma," and "Malagueña."

Huapangoby Moncayo

The Huapango is a musical piece composed in 1941 by José Pablo Moncayo. It was inspired by traditional Veracruz huapangos and uses the huapango rhythm.