Chinelos

One of the groups that participates in the procession for the virgin of Guadalupe each year are the Danza Chinelos del Estado de Morelos. Their dance, their apparel, and their movements are a unique sight in Houston and for many Mexican transplants, a taste of home.

In a Spanish-language interview with Folklife Program Manager Angel Quesada, the group's founder Yazmit Lopez explained her attachment to the tradition: "When I started, I was blind to what this dance was about. One of the most educational experiences for me occurred when I was younger, during La Semana Santa (Holy Week)."

"During Semana Santa I discovered a group of Chinelos dancing for the Virgin of Guadalupe. I asked one of the dancers, 'Why do you come here to dance for the Virgin?' He replied, 'Without any money, we bring our dance and our humble (Chinelo) outfits. We offer to dance for her. It's our gift. It gives us a special connection to the Virgin.'" Yazmit said, "It's this story that inspires me each time I dance Chinelos."