Interview done by Erick
Transcription by Angie and Erick.
E: So, how did the chinelos tradition start?
F: It started with indigenous and mestizo population making fun of the European bourgeoisie. They would cover their faces so they wouldn't be recognized and they would make fun of them (the europeans) and they would dance in a mocking manner. The creation of the chinelos started from there and because it was so much fun for the locals to poke fun at the rich, it eventually became a tradition. Over time, aspects of the costume became more elaborate, especially the masks.
E: What time of the year was this celebrated?
F: It depends but it usually happens from January up until the week before Easter.
E: How long do chinelos dance for?
F: Chinelos go from town to town dancing from Friday in the afternoon until Sunday. It typically starts around 4pm on Friday. It starts again on Saturday around 7am until 8pm.
E: Do they ever take a break from dancing during those times?
F: Well, they danced and they jumped and they also did other things. And they drank [alcohol].
E: Do they different types of styles?
F: They do. Different groups come from different places and they dance at different times. They vary. Sometimes they bring their own bands. They each have a unique style—both in dancing and dress. For example, chinelos from Tlayacapan wear white robes with blue horizontal stripes. And their headdress is not as tall as others, it is more round. And they dance a little bit different as well.
E: Where are chinelos most popular?
F: They are most known in Tepoztlán, Jiutepec, Tlayacapan, Jojutla. But it is celebrated in all the state of Morelos and chinelos go to different cities too.
E: How much would it cost to make a badass (chingón) costume?
F: I would say more than $2000.
E: How much is that in pesos?
F: About 400,000 pesos.
E: What makes up the costume?
F: It consists of the tunic, which is usually made out of velvet. People usually put decorations on the tunic, such as cacti, the Virgin Mary, Aztecs, and flowers. Then there’s also the hat, which is decorated with feathers and a lot of figures similar to the tunic. They also add sequins and sometimes thick fleece. And then there’s the mask, which usually has a beard but not always. The costumes also include bandanas to cover themselves and to prevent sweat from leaving the body so that the dancer does not become dehydrated. And the last piece of the costume are gloves, which are white.
E: What is the significance of the dance?
F: It is to make fun of the Spaniards. It is all part of a celebration called Carnival. Nowadays, there are mechanical rides and food during Carnival along with the dancing of the chinelos. In that sense, chinelos have an economic influence on the cities they visit.
E: Alright it seems that our time is coming to an end, thank you so much for providing us with first-hand accounts of the chinelos tradition.
F: Oh you’re welcome, it was my pleasure! Thank you for having me.
Transcription by Angie and Erick.
E: So, how did the chinelos tradition start?
F: It started with indigenous and mestizo population making fun of the European bourgeoisie. They would cover their faces so they wouldn't be recognized and they would make fun of them (the europeans) and they would dance in a mocking manner. The creation of the chinelos started from there and because it was so much fun for the locals to poke fun at the rich, it eventually became a tradition. Over time, aspects of the costume became more elaborate, especially the masks.
E: What time of the year was this celebrated?
F: It depends but it usually happens from January up until the week before Easter.
E: How long do chinelos dance for?
F: Chinelos go from town to town dancing from Friday in the afternoon until Sunday. It typically starts around 4pm on Friday. It starts again on Saturday around 7am until 8pm.
E: Do they ever take a break from dancing during those times?
F: Well, they danced and they jumped and they also did other things. And they drank [alcohol].
E: Do they different types of styles?
F: They do. Different groups come from different places and they dance at different times. They vary. Sometimes they bring their own bands. They each have a unique style—both in dancing and dress. For example, chinelos from Tlayacapan wear white robes with blue horizontal stripes. And their headdress is not as tall as others, it is more round. And they dance a little bit different as well.
E: Where are chinelos most popular?
F: They are most known in Tepoztlán, Jiutepec, Tlayacapan, Jojutla. But it is celebrated in all the state of Morelos and chinelos go to different cities too.
E: How much would it cost to make a badass (chingón) costume?
F: I would say more than $2000.
E: How much is that in pesos?
F: About 400,000 pesos.
E: What makes up the costume?
F: It consists of the tunic, which is usually made out of velvet. People usually put decorations on the tunic, such as cacti, the Virgin Mary, Aztecs, and flowers. Then there’s also the hat, which is decorated with feathers and a lot of figures similar to the tunic. They also add sequins and sometimes thick fleece. And then there’s the mask, which usually has a beard but not always. The costumes also include bandanas to cover themselves and to prevent sweat from leaving the body so that the dancer does not become dehydrated. And the last piece of the costume are gloves, which are white.
E: What is the significance of the dance?
F: It is to make fun of the Spaniards. It is all part of a celebration called Carnival. Nowadays, there are mechanical rides and food during Carnival along with the dancing of the chinelos. In that sense, chinelos have an economic influence on the cities they visit.
E: Alright it seems that our time is coming to an end, thank you so much for providing us with first-hand accounts of the chinelos tradition.
F: Oh you’re welcome, it was my pleasure! Thank you for having me.