The '''Danza de los Viejitos''' (dance of the old men) is a traditonal folk dance in Michoacán.

History

'''Danza de los Viejitos''' is said have begun as a dance in the Purépecha people from the Purepecha Region. The men that perform this dance are known as "Danzantes" or "Dancers." This dance was danced by the Purepecha people for the God of fire. The dance is said to consist of four men to represent fire, water, land, and air. Four dancers is also believed to be the correct number to dance in this traditional performance because there are four colors that make corn which are red, yellow, white, and blue. The dancers ask him for good harvest, communication with spirits, and to learn about the past or to predict the future. They also danced to help cure someone who was sick. Other stories of how this dance started was to show appreciation towards how wise elderly people are. It is also said to be a humorous imitation of the Spanish men also known as the Conquistadors because of their rosy cheeks, and certain way of dressing.

Clothing

A Danzante wears a top and bottom made out of a white blanket. It is topped with a "Serape," which is a blanket worn as a cloak in Latin America. Their Serape contains different designs and colors. They wear a hat made out of straw with adorned lengthy pieces of lace, each one a different color. The lace is parted down the middle of the hat, each one hanging 10 cm on the sides. Their shoes are sandals that have a wooden sole in order to make a tapping noise throughout their dance, followed by a wooden cane they also use. The dancers also wear a mask made out of either wood, cornstalk paste, or clay with an elderly mans face painted on it.

Music

References

http://comoeneltianguis.com.mx/2014/06/01/los-viejitos/[http://comoeneltianguis.com.mx/2014/06/01/los-viejitos/]^[1]

http://www2.esmas.com/mujer/lifestyle/806690/danza-viejitos-michoacan-festival-vida-y-muerte-xcaret-purepecha/^[2]

http://www.purepecha.mx/threads/3249-La-Danza-de-los-Viejitos^[3]

[1] "Los viejitos, tradición purépecha".

[2] "La Danza de los Viejitos en Michoacán".

[3] "La Danza de los Viejitos".

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