Danza Azteca in Chicago

The Concheros dance, also known as the dance of Aztecs and Mexicans, is a traditional dance and ceremony which has been performed in Mexico since early in the colonial period. The Aztec dances are a tradition that originally started in 1531 in Mexico. ”The Aztecs were a dominant force in Mesoamerica, developing power in the region by building alliances, and by conquering neighboring regions In their conquests, people pay tribute by gifting cotton, gold or food to them. They ran the most powerful state in Mesoamerica,”  according to Formfluent.

In recent memory, the Pilsen area has become the space for dances and old drums. In their spare time, the community comes together to practice their tradition with their families and friends in their respective clothing.

They started to gather attention from others because their tradition seems so interesting to the outside world. Acknowledging their culture and respecting their tradition has allowed them to build their community to an extent to reach society in various forms. Many people in the group could attest to the idea that the tradition brings joy and harmony to the community.

The dances have been passed on from generation to generation with minimal changes. “The dances come from the Aztecs who flourished in Mexico. Right up until the fall of their empire, exactly 500 years ago this year,  according to ABC 7 News. The excitement that these traditions bring allows good opportunities for the people of the community to be in a safe space and enjoy themselves culturally and expose themselves to diverse cultures.

During the pandemic, Harrison park was the space they used to display their tradition. They considered it safe and an easy connection with the public. “Pilsen is in the heart of Chicago; that’s why we chose to come here,” said Sergio Abrajan Flores, who leads rehearsals, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Pilsen is also rich in Latino culture which allows them more flexibility and comfortability in their culture. Although they are not home, this is the home away from home. Their dance is said to carry a lot of history and consists of meaning that is crucial to the hometown. This Aztec tradition is used to bring the younger generation into the very powerful history of Mexican culture and is used to teach them about those who have come before them and paved the way for their success. It is important to the older generation that the younger generation is able to carry on their legacy and their tradition in the best way possible.

This tradition is used by the Aztecs to honor and worship their gods. This is their idea of reverence and by doing this they take care of themselves and their families in good spirits. They make their gods proud. The dances are used to help them meditate and communicate their wishes for their rewards. It is used as a form of prayer and the dance moves have their own meanings.

The repetitive motions then become the form of the ritual to connect with their god. Even the clothing that they wore, was used to help their ritual and connection. The feathers that are used as a part of the culture represent birds being different from humans. This connection to the bird gives them a better opportunity to connect with their gods. Aztec dances are now an expression of art used in Mexican culture. All this tradition makes them who they are as people. What started off as a way of communication with their god developed into a fun way of healing, connection, and the ability to share what they know as a people.

Written by Michael Williams
Edited by Sheena Robertson

Source;

Chicago Sun-Times: In Pilsen, weekly Aztec dance ritual offers joy and a link to tradition

ABC 7 Eyewitness News: Chicago’s Little Village group Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance carries on more than 500-year tradition

FORMFLUENT: AZTEC DANCE: AN IMPORTANT MEXICAN CULTURE REIMAGINED BY LLADRÓ

Images Courtesy of Jim Noonan‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License