Fuego Nuevo (New Fire)

At the end of the 52 year cycle on the Mixteco calendar, the ceremony of the Fuego Nuevo, or New Fire is celebrated. At midnight on the last day they put out all the fires. The darkness allows them to examine their human weaknesses without the protection of warmth. They anticipate fasting to clean the body, mind, and spirit, and they prepared for a great ritual of purification.
The ancient wisdom and knowledge of their cultures is validated, their cultural identity is reinforced, and move on to a complex present with the hope of lighting a new fire.
We attended a superb traditional dance program that depicts the history and rituals of this important event in the Mixtec culture.
This photo was taken at the finale of the program.