Fiestas de la Santa Cruz, May 1-5

A celebration of the Holy Cross during which offerings of pain are propitiated. Mountain, roadside and village crosses are adorned with flowers and various offerings of fruit, bread, poultry, and more. Although this celebration is based in Christianity, the tradition of leaving offerings in return for miracles or blessings from the god(s) has its roots in pre-hispanic times. In Guerrero, this festival is closely tied to Tlaloc, the rain god. An important part of the festival in Acatlán centers around the Ahuehuete tree, a sacred tree because anywhere this tree grows water will be found. The Nahua Guerrerense honor the tree and its spring with a procession and a variety of offerings. Here, the jaguar known as the Tecuane appears. Richly detailed costumes and masks enhance the drama of the Tecuane fights, a form of propitiation. Also, an ancient Aztec dance honoring Tlaloc performed by tight-rope walkers, known as the Maromeros, is important to the welfare of the village as a whole. Walking the rope's straight path holds promise of a successful growing season. Falling off the rope, into the abyss, is a bad omen for crops. Both the Tlacololeros, who dance with popping whips in a propitation to the rain god, and the Huiquixtlis dancers, who represent the wind and juggle a rainstick, are important part of the celebration in this region. In Ahuacuotzingo, Los Costeños, black faced men with machetes, participate in another ritual dance that includes the propitiation of rain to the rain god. They attempt to capture and kill an alligator as its tail whips about in a highly theatrical and dangerous manner. In Tihosuco, Quintana Roo, the Cruzob Maya, are called the Cult of the Talking Cross. Processions with beautifully decorated banners adorn this celebration. The slides document ritual fighting, sacrifice of turkeys, dances, musicians, food, processions, costumes, masks, ephemeral offerings, and other traditions associated with this festival as celebrated in these various towns and villages.

These slides are housed in LSF Container N, Container O, and Container P.

A descriptive narrative of these slides is found on audiocassette #6 side B, and #7 side A, which are housed in LSF Container RR.