Mexican dance fest to forget quake

‘Celebration’ brings together many to pray, express solidarity

Oaxaca, Mexico, Aug. 4: After the earthquake that devastated Juchitan in southern Mexico in September last year, Jorge Jimenez and his dance troupe sprang into action.

The 8.2-magnitude quake — the most powerful ever recorded in the country — killed at least 96 people in the area.

Entire families were buried, and the town hall was split in two. Streets were left strewn with debris, and residents had no water or electricity.

“We helped to find survivors and distributed food,” recalls Jimenez, the director of Juchitan de Zaragoza, a traditional dance troupe.

“Then after a while, we decided to dance because the population needed some distraction to overcome the shock.”But the many festivities that are a usual part of life in the community were all cancelled in the wake of the earthquake. “We are still in mourning,” says the 33year-old Jimenez.

The dancers nevertheless decided to go to Oaxaca, the capital of the state of the same name, to take part in Guelaguetza, the biggest traditional Mexican festival.

“We want to thank the country for its support” and proclaim “to the world that ‘Juchitan lives, and long live Juchitan!’” Jimenez said.

The large Guelaguetza gathering, which means “offering” in the native Zapotec language, was itself founded after an earthquake that devastated Oaxaca in 1931.

Following the quake, locals decided to create a celebration bringing together the many local cultures “to pray to the Virgin and express solidarity,” said Alfonso Martinez, the spokesman for Oaxaca state.

Much more than just a festival, Guelaguetza has been a must on the region’s social calendar for 86 years, and showcases the variety and richness of what Martinez calls the country’s “deep cultural traditions.”

Every year, 30 troupes present their unique culture in a parade and performance before 12,000 spectators. — AFP