Traditional dances are shown as an expression of the cultural richness of a country, and in Mexico there is a wide variety. Each state has at least one distinctive dance, but Veracruz is home to many, including La Danza de Los Payasos (The Dance of the Clowns). The costumes they wear consists of a clown mask, party hat, and colorful suit that can require up to 17 meters of fabric to complete.
It is said that this character was introduced to Xico over 100 years ago, but today the masks of the clowns are made by the Tepo family. David R. Tepo Tlaxcalteco followed in his father’s footsteps, making these wooden masks inspired by the looks of the Moors from colonial times.
“It is something religious. We do it to dance to God and in this case it is for Santa Maria Magdalene, who is our faith.”
The identity of the dancers must be kept secret by the masks, because it is a tradition of the ancestors. it is not about the active participants and who they are, but rather a representation of their people.
