Parachico

Lore & Background

In 1767 and 1768, a plague of locusts destroyed crops, followed by an epidemic that killed nearly half the population. Amid this misery, a mule train arrived loaded with food and money, and servants distributed it, dancing at night for the children and throwing candy, all in memory of the son of María de Angulo, or 'para el chico.' Each year, the city celebrates with a woman dressed as Señora Maria de Angulo on an allegorical car, throwing gold coins, sweets, and confetti. On certain nights, men dress as Spanish women to honor her.

Reader's Guide

The Parachicos are significant as a living tradition that blends indigenous, Catholic, and Spanish cultural elements, reflecting the complex history of Chiapa de Corzo. Their festival, the Grand Fiesta, includes religious ceremonies, music, dancing, and local cuisine, and was recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its importance to cultural diversity. The dancers wear wooden masks with Caucasian features—light skin, facial hair, blue eyes—contrasting with Native features, along with colorful headdresses, ribbons, serapes, and shawls, and they shake metallic rattles called chinchines. The festival's conclusion at a church with an old tree said to represent the 'tree of life' from Maya and other pre-Hispanic cultures suggests the site was used for ceremonies before Catholicism. The tradition's origin stories, though varying, all center on Señora Maria de Angulo and her son, emphasizing themes of healing, generosity, and community celebration. The Parachicos thus serve as a symbol of local identity and resilience, preserving a unique cultural heritage through dance and festivity.

Did You Know?

• The Parachicos dance during the Grand Fiesta from January 15 to 23 each year.
• The tradition was declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage on November 16, 2010.
• Parachicos wear wooden masks with Caucasian features, including light skin, facial hair, and blue eyes.