Mexican Sombrero (from Spanish “sombra” meaning shadow) is a traditional hat of relatively high pointed crown and quite wide brim. There is also a chin string to keep the hat in place. This hat enables protection of the head, neck and shoulders from the sun. Sombreros are made of straw, felt or velvet.
Sombrero is worn by musicians in traditional Mexican mariachi bands. The hat is mentioned in the “Jarabe tapatio”. It is the famous Mexican folk song and dance accompanying it. This song tells a story of a poor charro (Mexican horseman) and his girlfriend. As part of courtship he throws his sombrero on the ground. The woman accepts his act by dancing upon the brim of sombrero.