Santiago Juxtlahuaca... in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca

 

Santiago Juxtlahuaca is a town rich in customs and folklore. Among its main festivals, we can mention the following:

July 25th: The patron saint festival in honor of the Apostle Saint James is celebrated five days during the main week. A fortnight is taken beforehand to prepare and make the candles for the processions. We enjoy the dances of the "Chareos" (Moors and Christians), and "Los Diablos" (The Devils), whose artistry, gallantry, grace, and elegance—qualities that can be observed when watching them dance with a wind band—offer a beautiful spectacle to locals and foreigners alike. Dances began in the 17th century.

These are days of celebration, where people come to give thanks at the parish church. These festivities include the parade and slaughter of the uniquely decorated turkeys; the chareo challenge; and cultural and sporting events, among others. People attend three nights of public and traditional Chilean dances, as well as savoring baked bread accompanied by the delicious champurrado, chilate de res, spices, the unique mole de res, and pozole. The festivities culminate on the 28th with the delivery of the new steward, who will serve for the following year.

 

The Macho Dance, which represents a satire of a wealthy family during colonial times, where the "Macho" (the character who steals the landowner's daughters) acts out his tricks by mocking his in-laws. This dance features authentic steps to the beat of the violin and jarana, where they dress very elegantly, wearing suits and dresses with ruffles. Typically, all men are dressed in the main characters of a town, such as: the priest (Tatacura), the judge (Tata-co-civil), the landowners (the Tata-tuno and his wife, old Chiripa). The latter is the only one who speaks in this dance, leading the way, beating anyone who disobeys him with his large reed. The music, steps, and plot of this dance are preserved today, with the dancers visiting municipal authorities and dancing in the homes of stewards and distinguished neighbors. This carnival festivity in Juxtlahuaca culminates on Tuesday with a calenda where municipal authorities, mayordomías and all the dances of the population come together: Centro, Barrio de Santo Domingo and Barrio de San Pedro, to share the chilate de res participating in the flour game, finally dancing these dances in the civic plaza where the entire town and visitors attend, distinguished by the presence of the traditional masked women who throw confetti, which wear a domino costume, and at the end of these a popular dance. 

 

Fandango de Juxtlahuaca.- This important folkloric manifestation is a beautiful heritage bequeathed by their ancestors, which was and continues to be a reason for unity, joy and sadness in all the important moments of the lives of the Juxtlahuaquenses, being performed at baptisms, weddings, popular festivals, etc. To the beat of the music of the violin and jarana, sones, chilenas and gustos are danced, with attire in the style of the Mixtecs of this region, this music being the authentic manifestation of Juxtlahuaca, and recorded music of this genre still exists today on cassettes.