Hand-painted wooden masks and ancestral dances from century-old cultures still alive in Mexico took center stage on Saturday in Santa Maria
during the first indigenous carnival organized by Oaxacan migrants on the West Coast of the United States
which proudly showcased the name of Mexico
we succeeded in bringing our traditions and indigenous culture to the United States
Although we have departed from our native lands
and we are committed to preserving them," said Iván Santiago
leader of the Chikua'a dance group and the event's organizer
which was a first-time experience for many attendees who hadn't had the opportunity to engage with these traditions for years
the group is already laying the groundwork for the next carnival in 2025 using a distinct indigenous method known as 'Tequio.'
Santiago explained that this is the name of a practice that continues among various indigenous communities across Mexico and for whom "cooperation and mutual support are among the most cherished values."
While it might have different interpretations at the moment
'Tequio' can include collective labor or financial contributions to carry out communal endeavors such as celebrations or infrastructure projects like road construction
the dance group garnered financial support to host the event at a banquet hall
their aspiration for the next edition is to move on to a larger venue in Santa Ana
enabling a broader audience to partake in the carnival festivities
"The Mixtec indigenous culture of Mexico remains relatively unseen on the global stage
With this festival we declare: 'Here we are
despite attempts by other nations to subjugate and erase our identity
We continue to honor the legacy bestowed upon us by our ancestors,'" Santiago stated
Still excited about successfully bringing the first Oaxacan indigenous carnival to California
Santiago reflected: "Indigenous communities in Mexico and around the globe need to be seen and supported so they can continue to thrive
They need employment opportunities to sustain their families
reducing the necessity for risking their lives by migrating to other countries."
He also noted that while Mexican communities in the U.S
have left behind family and friends in pursuit of "a better life" for their family
"we uphold our culture and traditions with pride
The carnival included three different moments
The first one was a tasting of tacos and one of the most traditional beverages on Mexican tables: tepache
known as the light and sweet pineapple beer
Then there was a presentation of three dances with ancestral roots known as Los Tejorones
which "represents a resistance against the loss of our identity while being in a culturally different country," Santiago explained
'Los Tejorones,' feature dancers adorned with elaborate headdresses crafted from "the finest rooster feathers" imported from their indigenous community in Mexico
Carved wooden masks with European features
Santiago highlighted that this dance may have originated during colonial times as a form of protest against Spanish colonization
performed during carnival season and community festivities
and intricately carved or painted wooden masks
"It is said that this dance originated following the French invasion of Mexico in the 19th century
The indigenous people of that time discreetly observed how the invaders organized their festivities
the Mixtecs celebrated with this type of dance
but in a more exaggerated and grotesque manner
as a form of protest and resentment towards the invasion," Santiago informed
with lively music played by a traditional orchestra as dancers gather around a cardboard horse
The festive atmosphere encourages everyone to join in the celebration
which is significant as these dances also aim to bring joy to Mexican communities
The festival ended with a performance by a traditional music group from the Oaxaca and Guerrero coasts
who will play for guests to dance and have fun as if they were at a town festival
named in Mixtec after the indigenous municipality of San Pedro Jicayán
emerged in 2023 with the organization of the First Mixtec Day of the Dead Festival
and it serves as a grounding force for migrant communities in the area
Most of the members were born in or have family ties to San Pedro Jicayán and its surrounding areas
with one member hailing from San Andrés Huaxpaltepec
there are participants from other regions of Mexico contributing to this captivating showcase of Latin American culture that will have its second edition in 2025
A significant festival from the heart of Mexico will debut on March 9th
the Oaxacan and Chicano community in California will hold an Indigenous Coastal Carnival
a unique tradition filled with colorful masks and traditional dances
The event will take place in the city of Santa Ana
and will span the entire Saturday in three parts
there will be a tasting of tacos and one of the most traditional beverages on Mexican tables: tepache
a presentation of three dances with ancestral roots known as Los Tejorones
there will be a performance by a traditional music group from the Oaxaca and Guerrero coasts
who will play for guests to dance and have fun "as if they were at a town festival," explained Iván Santiago
leader of the Chikua'a dance group organizing this carnival
but the Oaxacan community is particularly large
That's why we decided to organize a dance group that could transport us to our roots and thus continue to keep our cultural heritage alive," Santiago explained
because we try to adapt to the conditions of the new place; however
we want to keep our culture more alive than ever despite the distance."
The Chikua'a group includes young and adult migrants
as well as new generations born in the US who reside in Santa Ana
participants have joined from other cities such as Ontario
Most of the members were born in or have family from the municipality of San Pedro Jicayán and its surrounding areas
as well as one from San Andrés Huaxpaltepec
there are also participants from other regions of Mexico
and also the activities they used to do in Mexico become a significant challenge for the mental health of many migrants
"many of us suffer from loneliness and depression."
"thanks to the unity provided by this dance group
this adaptation process is becoming easier
We are a group proud of our roots and of coming from an indigenous town
And these dances allow us to share with the people of California part of our essence and part of our indigenous identity as a native people," he says
Santiago says that the three dances are his favorite part of the Carnival
a resistance against colonization or the French invasion
today for us it represents a resistance against the loss of our identity while being in a culturally different country," he explains
"Los Tejorones," will feature dancers adorned with elaborate headdresses crafted from "the finest rooster feathers" imported from their indigenous community in Mexico
along with traditional attire of white shirts
Santiago explains that this dance may have originated during colonial times as a form of protest against Spanish colonization
as a form of protest and resentment towards the invasion," Santiago explained
The "Crazy Horse" dance invites audience participation
'While the goal of our dance group is to keep our cultural heritage alive
this project also unites the community and provides a space for recreation," Santiago assures