Living Barra de Navidad: Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Cihuatlan Jalisco - Floats and Danzas Parade

Monday 12 December 2011

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Cihuatlan Jalisco - Floats and Danzas Parade - Dec 12 2011

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Cihuatlan Jalisco

One of the most important religious holidays in Mexico is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe (Virgen de Guadalupe) on Dec. 12th. In fact the celebrations start 46 days before with the praying of the Rosary and Veladas each day.

Floats and Danzas Parade on Dec 12th. This parade is part of the Lady of Guadalupe Festivity in Cihuatlan, Jalisco, México.

Floats show life scenes of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Danzas are different groups of dancers dancing in pre-Columbian style and dressing either like Apaches or a mix of pre-Columbian and Hispanic dresses. They held flags with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe or have this image printed in the outfit.

Some of the groups that participate with Danzas (Dances) are:

Danza de Los Plataneros / Banana Field Workers Danza

Danza del Amarillo

Danza de la Tecolotera (Colonia Miguel Hidalgo)

Danza de los Niños del Divino Nino / Children of Child Jesus Danza

Danza de los Apaches

Danza del Chavarín

Danza El Barrito

Corredores de las antorchas / Runners carrying torches

The guys dressing in customes made of newspaper, balloons, etc are known as "locos de la danza" or "viejo de la danza". Danzas in Mexico usually have at least one participant call "Viejo de la Danza" or "Loco de la Danza" / "The crazy guy" in other parts of Mexico. In some danzas they represent the evil fighting against the dancers. In the danzas in Cihuatlan they are dressed up in costumes made with balloons, newspaper or banana leafs.

The parade starts around 5:00 p.m. After the parade a mass is celebrated dedicated to the Virgin Mary, there are blessing of Roses and Images. After the mass finishes there are traditional Mexican Fireworks known as Toritos and Castillos (castles).