Dances and regional festivals in Las Animas, a rural community in the State of Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract

Dance is perceived as an artistic manifestation of great social presence, since it is a means of expression that has been highly controlled and ceremonially manipulated by the ruling classes in socially stratified and politically organized communities. This article analyzes the worldview of the "maistros" (dance master), the dancers and the citizens by examining the historical, sociocultural elements and the restructuring of the so-called Danza de los Gallitos and Danza de los Diablos Rojos, as well as its adaptation and adoption process in Las Animas, Municipality of Tecoanapa in the State of Guerrero. The qualitative method was used with semi-structured interviews, field work and participant observation during the presentations of the dances promoted by those in charge, altruistic people and representatives of the House of culture of the locality that have supported conservation actions of the native dances of the region. Locality that have supported conservation actions of the native dances of the region. During the ten-year period, the dance of Los Gallitos was not staged, and the dance of Los Diablos Rojos from its creation to the present is still preserved, with certain modifications to the costumes and harmony materials. He worked shows that the people who participate in the dance and the audience feel an expression of identity with their ancestors, thanks to them, it continues to be alive and developing despite the changes of globalization.