A jarocho is a person, item or style of music from Veracruz, Mexico.
The term jarocho comes from the prodding stick used by herders in the 1500s, called "jarocha" or "garrocha". This same term was given to the local Spanish militia stationed in Veracruz that was composed of African and Caribbean Negro conscripts who used a lance as their primary weapon. As recent as the Mexican war of independence from Spain, these Negro Jarochos still formed the bulk of the coastal Spanish militia.
Another theory is that the term evolved from an old Spanish word meaning brusk or disordered.
Jarochos are wandering bands of minstrel musicians, similar to mariachis, who dress and play in the Veracruz style. They are distinguished from mariachis by their traditional white guayabera shirts and white pants and hats. Music played by jarochos is known as Son Jarocho.
