Feast of Mary Magdalene and Purépecha Dances in Uruapan

On July 22, the Purépecha Plateau celebrates Mary Magdalene, Patron Saint of penance and unwavering faith. The most vibrant celebration takes place in Uruapan, specifically in the La Magdalena neighborhood, a place whose tradition is deeply rooted in the history of Michoacán: a chapel dating back to the 16th century, a silent witness to the foundational era that Don Vasco de Quiroga promoted throughout the region.

The Procession of Gratitude

The festivities begin with a unique ritual deeply rooted in agriculture: a procession that is, in essence, a living offering of gratitude for the harvest.

• The Visual Element: The procession is distinguished by the oxen and mules that are decorated with ribbons and flowers in bright colors before being taken to the atrium of the Chapel of the La Magdalena Neighborhood. These animals, symbols of agricultural work and sustenance, lead the parade in honor of the saint.

The Cultural Display of the Plateau

Upon reaching the atrium of La Magdalena, the celebration transforms into a display of the most representative dances of the Purépecha culture. It is a melting pot of syncretism where faith is expressed through movements inherited from grandparents to grandchildren.

• Dance of the Old Men: Symbol of wisdom and ancestral memory, the dancing elders mark the pace of tradition.

• Dance of the Moors: It represents the struggle between Christianity and Islam, incorporating elements typical of colonial brotherhoods.

• Dance of the Blacks and Maringuías: These dances incorporate humor and social satire through masks and costumes, often with nuances of fertility and prosperity rites.

Esta fiesta en el Barrio de La Magdalena de Uruapan es una ventana a la unidad cultural de la Meseta Purépecha. El misticismo del siglo XVI que se respira en Pátzcuaro se mantiene vivo y vibrante en las comunidades vecinas, demostrando la profundidad y la continuidad de las tradiciones michoacanas.