The Danza de la Pluma penachos (headdresses), capes, and leggings are spectacular and unique to Teotitlán del Valle. The feathered designs on the penachos are more intricate and varied than in other pueblos; and the capes and leggings are hand-woven in this village that is internationally known for its weaving. However, while the Danza de la Pluma is a crowd-pleaser during the annual July Guelaguetza on Cerro del Fortín in Oaxaca, folkloric groups from other villages are usually chosen to perform it, as Teotitlán’s costumes are not considered “authentic.”
However, performing for tourists is not why Teotitlán del Valle tells this story through music and dance several times a year. It is performed on the church plaza, not the municipal plaza, because it is an integral part of the annual major religious celebrations of the village: Fiesta titular a la Preciosa Sangre de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo in July, Fiesta a la Natividad de la Virgen María in September, Fiesta a el Rosario de la Virgen María in October, and Fiesta a la Virgen de Guadalupe in December.
Penachos from the Fiesta a la Natividad de la Virgen María on Sunday…
Capes from Sunday’s Fiesta a la Natividad de la Virgen María and July’s Preciosa Sangre de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo festival.
Leggings from both festivals…
The various elements of the costumes do not come cheap and dancers must appeal to their extended families to assist in commissioning each of the pieces. Thus, as annual festivals come and go during a dancer’s 3-year commitment, the costumes may evolve.
With their performances, the dancers honor the rituals of their church and community. And, with their magnificent costumes, they pay homage to the creativity, talent, and tradition of Teotitlán del Valle’s weavers and feather artists.
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Great photos. How is it possible to know when these dancers will perform?
Fiesta titular a la Preciosa Sangre de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo – First Wednesday of the month of July after Sunday
Fiesta a la Natividad de la Virgen María – Sept. 8
Fiesta a el Rosario de la Virgen María – First Sunday of October
Fiesta a la Virgen de Guadalupe – December 12
These are the dates the Danza de la Pluma is performed. The convites are usually in the late afternoon a day or two before.
Wow, Shannon, those are spectacular even in photos. I can imagine the reality! I love the leggings – are they made like the rugs weavings?
Yes, they are wool and woven in the village. Looking forward to your return!
[…] footwork is complex and the steps require a lot of stamina. And, just wait until they put on the penachos […]