Every January, Chiapa de Corzo in Mexico comes alive with the Great Feast, which honors three Catholic saints: Saint Anthony Abbot, Our Lord of Esquipulas, and Saint Sebastian. Central to the celebration are the Parachicos, dancers who perform from morning to night, carrying saint statues through the city and visiting places of worship.
Dressed in carved wooden masks, colorful headdresses, serapes (long shawls/cloaks), and ribbons, and playing chinchines, they offer a living tribute. Passed down through generations, the art of mask-making and the dance itself foster community and mutual respect.
Click through this colorful gallery to
experience the masks, dances, and centuries-old traditions of the Parachicos for yourself.