Dance of the Old Men

Our friends returned to Ajijic today, leaving us on our own for entertainment (and unfortunately for my wife, conversation). Seeing as how the sun was out for a change, we headed to the Plaza Grande to soak in some rays and do some people watching. We have often seen this group of energetic dancers performing at the south end of the plaza, but I did not realize the significance of this dance until I did a little research the other day.

The Dance of the Old Men, El Baile de Los Viejitos, is the dance that represents the state of Michoacan. This dance was a chance to mock the Spanish ruling class by doing a dance hunched over like old men with canes. They wear a mask looking like an old European (pink face with white hair). The dance at the Plaza Grande didn't seem to adhere to the traditional structure, but the crowd enjoyed it none-the-less.