The Carnival is, in its briefest definition, a festive transition period toward the solemnity of Lent, but the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Carnival is much more than that: it is the heartbeat, the memory, and the resistance of our original town transmitted from generation to generation. With over a century and a half of existence, this celebration in Mexico City has a deeply rebellious root that dates back to the years of the Second Mexican Empire, under the mandate of Maximilian of Habsburg.
Rebellious origins and the satire of the aristocracy
During the 19th century, the wealthy families and landowners of the region organized very elegant and exclusive etiquette dances, with a marked European style. Seeing themselves excluded, the peasants and workers of our neighborhoods decided to take to the streets to have fun, but in their own way: caricaturing the pomp, manners, and clothing of those aristocrats. Thus was born the parody that gives color to our party today.
The famous wax mask of our charros, with its light eyes and sculpted beards, is a direct mockery of Emperor Maximilian’s physiognomy, while the coronation of the carnival queen satirically evokes Empress Carlota. What began as an act of mockery towards power ended up shaping the iconic Santa Maria Aztahuacan Carnival as our greatest symbol of cultural sovereignty.
Historical origin and tradition of the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Carnival
Today, our streets are filled with the joyful passage of the charro squads and the “chichinas“, always accompanied by the music of wind bands and orchestras. The charro suit we wear is a true work of art handmade by local artisans, meticulously embroidered with gold, silver, or bugle bead threads. Wearing this suit, whose value ranges between 20,000 and 50,000 pesos due to its fine manufacture, represents an enormous pride for the participants, who save up all year to wear it with dignity at the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Carnival.
For their part, the “chichinas” (our traditional chinas poblanas) bring the freest and most comic side of the party, wearing imaginative costumes that do not use plush and even crowning their own “Ugly King” (Rey Feo) to keep the mischief alive.
Popular joy, coexistence, and living heritage
Through dancing from house to house and voluntary cooperation to pay for the music, the neighbors of Aztahuacan reaffirm a pact of mutual support and generosity. Our carnival is not a product for tourism; it is the living heritage of a people defending their territory, their history, and their right to collective joy.
And well, put in simple words to invite visitors: at the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Carnival, you will find much more than what this rigid explanation of its origins tells you. You will see costumes of all kinds, from Majin Buu to Uncle Sam, parodies of politicians, floats selling draft beer and micheladas, girls wearing provocative outfits and others with high-class regional dresses. It is a festival of colors, music, and flavors. I assure you that the midday atmosphere is family-friendly and memorable.
The Santa Maria Aztahuacan Carnival is, therefore, a living heritage that does not remain in the past, but in an eternal present.
Every year, the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Carnival is engraved in the collective memory as an event that celebrates our archaeological, historical, and intangible heritage
. This 2023, the tradition continues with a new chapter full of joy and community, as shown in our recent video capturing the vibrant essence of the carnival . Credits to the video’s creator; visit their channel: Mexico Lindo…
“Among the most important celebrations is the Carnival, which serves as a time of festivity and release prior to the sobriety and recollection of Lent