Alberto de la Rosa champions Veracruz harp music
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In Veracruz, Mexico, 79-year-old Alberto de la Rosa has dedicated his life to the arpa jarocha, a traditional harp style. He is a founder of the musical group Tlen Huicani, which celebrated its 53rd anniversary this year.
De la Rosa learned music in Acayucan, and became fascinated with the harp after hearing a concert in Xalapa at age 12. He taught himself to play, eventually joining local ensembles and forming Tlen Huicani in 1973.
The group has since performed in 62 countries, supported by institutions like the Universidad Veracruzana. De la Rosa credits this support, along with local municipal backing and public interest, with keeping the arpa jarocha alive. He also noted the rising popularity of the instrument among women, highlighting his daughter María Cristina’s recent win at the 2026 World Harp Competition in the Netherlands.
De la Rosa values the enduring quality of traditional Veracruz music, contrasting it with popular music he sees as superficial. He encourages young people to appreciate folk music and asks authorities to create more opportunities for groups like Tlen Huicani to share their work. He hopes to be remembered not as an individual, but for his contributions to preserving and strengthening the son jarocho tradition.
