Chinelos

Chinelo

The Chinelos dance is a traditional dance in the state of Morelos, Mexico in which colourfully dressed dancers dance and wave flags accompanied by set traditional tunes played by a brass band. The town of Tepoztlán is known for their chinelos but the dance exists throughout Morelos in towns like Yautepec, Coacalco, Cuautlixco, Atlahuahuacán, Oaxtepec, Jojutla and Totolapan, as well as in certain towns in the state of Puebla. However it originated in the town of Tlayacapan.

According to Tlayacapan Culture House, it was in 1870 when a group of young people, where so unfortunate to see themselves excluded from the Carnival celebrations, since they had to respect the lent celebrations, organized one quadrilles, disguised themselves with old clothes covering their faces with a handkerchief (or piece of blanket) and began to shout, and jump in the streets of the town, making fun of the Spaniards. This improvisation was very successful, and so spoken of, that in the following year it was repeated. Some participants became known as “huehuetzin”, a Nahuatl word that means “a person who dresses in old clothes” (some chinelos still use this word). Year after year, as it became more popular, the celebration grew and the image evolved gradually. In order to represent the Spaniards, beards were added to the masks and the name “chinelo” appeared.

The etymology of the word chinelo is unknown, but in the form of the attire and of “I jump” same notice the syncretism of the old Moorish and Christian dances, with “axcatzitzintin” (axcatzitzintin: pre-Hispanic rite that means “to jump to enjoy”). We also know that the word chinelo comes from the Nahuatl “tzineloa”, that it means “I wag my hips”.

The Chinelo’s clothes are similar to tunics worn by Abbey friars and are made of velvet. The most popular colors of these tunics are red and black. On the tunic they wear a layer embroidered with all kinds of artificial jewels.

The Chinelo’s mask is made from wire fabric, properly painted and with a form simulating a face. In this mask great eyes and abundant eyebrows are drawn, as well as a moustache, and a pointed beard. This type of mask was invented at the beginning of the 20th century, by Mr. Jose Maria Villamil. It has also been said that this beard accentuates the influence of the magical kings.

The Chinelo dance is known as “the jump” because the dance consists of vibrant “zapateado” one that has a main step similar to the “brincoteo.” Each “comparsa” (group) of Chinelos has a name and a Chinelo of each comparsa waves the flag that takes its name.

External links

• Chinelos Photo Gallery