The ethereal masks of Tócuaro

🎭 Faces of Wood and Magic

In Tócuaro, wood is not only carved; it is conjured.

The history of these masks goes far beyond a simple decorative object. It is a living legacy that breathes between two worlds: the pre-Hispanic and the colonial. Before the arrival of the Europeans, our indigenous ancestors already used masks to communicate with the gods and the forces of nature. With evangelization, this tradition did not die; it was transformed, merging with Catholic liturgy to give life to the impressive Devils of the Nativity Plays, creating a syncretism unique in the world.

The Lineage of the Great Masters While it is impossible to talk about Tócuaro without mentioning the Horta family, the reality is that talent in this town branches out into several lineages of excellence.

• The Horta Legacy: La dinastía tiene dos pilares. Por un lado, la memoria de Don Juan Horta Castillo (✝), who pioneered bringing these masks to museums in Chicago and New York, elevating the craft to “Folk Art.” His legacy continues with his sons (such as Modesto and Juan José). On the other hand, the contemporary figure of Felipe de Jesús Horta Tera, who learned from his father Eustacio and has reinvented the genre, taking his exhibitions to Paris and creating pieces that are true surrealist sculptures.

• The Castillo Dynasty: Another essential family. Teachers like Eriberto Castillo and Policarpio Castillo have kept the purest technique alive. Eriberto, in particular, has opened the doors of his workshop so that tourists can not only see, but also touch and learn, offering experiences where you can paint your own mask.

• New Talents: Families like the Sierra (Juan Carlos and Reyes Sierra Morales) and the Hernández are gaining ground in craft competitions, standing out for their fine finishes and innovative proposals in "natural" (unpainted) and decorated masks.

🌳 The Alchemy of Wood Why are these masks so special? It all starts with the choice of tree. Wood is used from copalillo (light and soft for the dancer) or avocado and jacaranda (for collector's items). The process is a metamorphosis: from a piece of wood are born fantastic beings with twisted horns, snakes that coil around cheeks, and expressions that range from the grotesque to the sublime.

👹 More than a craft: A transformation These pieces, known poetically as “ethereal”, have a magical function: the transformation of the carrier.

• In the Nativity Plays (February 2nd): They are the absolute protagonists. They allow a villager to become Lucifer, Sin or Cunning, facing the Archangel Michael.

• In the Dances: They are the face of the Dance of the Old Men or of the imposing Cúrpitesallowing the eternal duality between youth and old age, good and evil.

🌟 THE VALUE OF AUTHENTICITY

When you buy a mask in Tócuaro, you take home weeks of manual labor and centuries of cultural history.

Expert tip for your visit: Don't just stay on the main street. Ask about the workshop “Hand in Hand” by Eriberto Castillo If you want an immersive experience, or visit the gallery of the Horta if you're looking for museum-quality pieces. And remember: an authentic dance mask should be as finely polished inside as it is outside, made to be worn, not just hung up.