14 de Febrero
Cohuiná of Saint Bernabé, Cohuiná of Saint Anthony, Cohuiná of the Virgin of Nativity, Cohuiná of Saint Dominic, Cohuiná of Saint Martha and Saint Martin the Bishop, and Cohuiná of Saint Michael, muni
The Carnaval Zoque Coiteco is an ancestral celebration in Ocozocoautla de Espinosa held before Ash Wednesday. It blends Zoque traditions with Catholic elements, featuring ritual characters and dances such as El Tigre y el Mono and Los Enlistonados. Through masks, music, and ceremonies like the Baño de Zapoyol, the community reaffirms its identity and prepares for Lent. It is a living expression of Zoque pride and cultural heritage.
Every year, the streets of Ocozocoautla de Espinosa fill with color, rhythm, and tradition as the Carnaval Zoque Coiteco begins. This celebration intertwines Zoque heritage and Spanish influence into a unique expression of identity and spirituality. Traditional characters like the Chores - characters, both native and stylized, who take part in the celebration every day. They wear striking and colorful outfits, and on their heads they carry a cochombí (a hat decorated with colorful flowers). Their attire is complemented with seed necklaces, ribbons, bells, a cuarta or whip, a noisemaker, and the traditional choriquera mask, hand-carved from wood - come to life, each playing an essential role in this collective performance where locals are both participants and spectators.
Hand-carved masks, ribbon-covered costumes, traditional beverages, and music announce the beginning of the largest carnival in Chiapas. More than a festivity, the Carnaval Zoque Coiteco is a profound affirmation of Zoque pride—a living tradition that has endured through time and is passed down with devotion and respect.
Location: Various streets of Ocozocoautla de Espinosa
Additional Information: Visitors are advised to arrive on their own or on a guided tour, wear comfortable clothing, and check the activity schedule published by municipal authorities and cultural organizations.
Recommended Age: General public
Accessibility: Parking is available near the town center; the city includes accessibility ramps for people with disabilities.
Cost: Free
Every year, the streets of Ocozocoautla de Espinosa fill with color, rhythm, and tradition as the Carnaval Zoque Coiteco begins. This celebration intertwines Zoque heritage and Spanish influence into a unique expression of identity and spirituality. Traditional characters like the Chores - characters, both native and stylized, who take part in the celebration every day. They wear striking and colorful outfits, and on their heads they carry a cochombí (a hat decorated with colorful flowers). Their attire is complemented with seed necklaces, ribbons, bells, a cuarta or whip, a noisemaker, and the traditional choriquera mask, hand-carved from wood - come to life, each playing an essential role in this collective performance where locals are both participants and spectators.
Hand-carved masks, ribbon-covered costumes, traditional beverages, and music announce the beginning of the largest carnival in Chiapas. More than a festivity, the Carnaval Zoque Coiteco is a profound affirmation of Zoque pride—a living tradition that has endured through time and is passed down with devotion and respect.
Location: Various streets of Ocozocoautla de Espinosa
Additional Information: Visitors are advised to arrive on their own or on a guided tour, wear comfortable clothing, and check the activity schedule published by municipal authorities and cultural organizations.
Recommended Age: General public
Accessibility: Parking is available near the town center; the city includes accessibility ramps for people with disabilities.
Cost: Free
