The Dance of the Parachicos: Chiapa de Corzo
Every year, from January 8 to 23 and as part of the Fiesta Grande, the colorful and traditional Dance of the Parachicos takes place in Chiapa de Corzo in honor of the Lord of Miracles (or Lord of Esquipulas), and in honor of the Catholic saints San Antonio Abad and San Sebastián Mártir.
In 2010, UNESCO declared this dance Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for its importance in the social and cultural identity of the community.
Origins
The origins of this celebration date back to the middle of the XVIII century, when a lady of the Spanish high society, Doña María de Angulo, sought the help of an indigenous healer to save the life of her son who was seriously ill, who was healed by being bathed in the waters of the Cumbujuyú spring.The indigenous people of the place danced for the child during his recovery in order to entertain him, thus being a dance "para-el chico", from which the name of this traditional celebration derives.
The Dance
During the dance, the dancers are dressed in colorful sarapes, shawls, hats and wooden masks simulating the features of the Spaniards, and rattles or "chinchines" as a musical instrument.The participants are originally from Chiapa de Corzo, although on January 20, people from outside the community are allowed to dress up in the parachico costume to participate in the celebration, which attracts a large number of national and foreign tourists.
The group, on its route, visits important chapels in the region, carrying religious images, and is led and coordinated by a "patron", who carries a guitar and a whip (symbolizing punishment for sinners).
Likewise, among the group of dancers, the so-called "chuntas" stand out, who are men disguised as women representing Doña María de Angulo, and whose function is to hand out coins and sweets to the public.
To end the festival, a mass is held, and later a parade in which the image of San Sebastian is transferred to the house that will keep it for the rest of the year.
The beauty, color and joy of the Danza de los Parachicos is, without a doubt, one more reason to visit our beautiful state, because ¡YO, VIVO CHIAPAS!
