03 de Mayo
8ª Sur between Calle Central and 1ª Poniente S/N, Ocozocoautla
The Copotí Dance is a traditional celebration held on May 3 and 31 in Ocozocoautla de Espinosa. It is a festive and symbolic dance that represents the fertility of the fields and the joy of rural life, deeply rooted in the Zoque worldview. The performance features El Torito (the little bull), accompanied by María Manuela and a group of dancers known as copotís and wichas, who perform a lively choreography filled with color and movement to the rhythm of traditional music.
The dance takes place in front of decorated crosses as an offering and thanksgiving for the harvests, uniting faith, culture, and community tradition. When the skies of Ocozocoautla announce the blessing of the land, the people gather to honor the Holy Cross. Amid flowers, music, and prayers, the joyful torito appears, leaping among the crowd and leading a dance that celebrates fertility and the joy of life.
Following him is María Manuela, a female figure representing grace, protection, and the spirit of the community, joined by the copotís and wichas who fill the scene with rhythm and color. Through marked steps, turns, and playful movements, the dancers surround the torito in a choreography that unites tradition, devotion, and popular festivity.
The dance unfolds before adorned crosses on hillsides, slopes, and paths as an offering to the guardians of the mountain and as gratitude for the harvest. More than a dance, it is a community act where music, faith, and memory intertwine. Thus, the Copotí Dance is revived each year, reminding the people of Ocozocoautla that the land, tradition, and joy are sacred—and that as long as El Torito and the copotís dance, the Zoque culture will remain alive.
Dates: May 3 and 31, 2025
Schedule: 00:00 – 16:00 hrsThe dance takes place in front of decorated crosses as an offering and thanksgiving for the harvests, uniting faith, culture, and community tradition. When the skies of Ocozocoautla announce the blessing of the land, the people gather to honor the Holy Cross. Amid flowers, music, and prayers, the joyful torito appears, leaping among the crowd and leading a dance that celebrates fertility and the joy of life.
Following him is María Manuela, a female figure representing grace, protection, and the spirit of the community, joined by the copotís and wichas who fill the scene with rhythm and color. Through marked steps, turns, and playful movements, the dancers surround the torito in a choreography that unites tradition, devotion, and popular festivity.
The dance unfolds before adorned crosses on hillsides, slopes, and paths as an offering to the guardians of the mountain and as gratitude for the harvest. More than a dance, it is a community act where music, faith, and memory intertwine. Thus, the Copotí Dance is revived each year, reminding the people of Ocozocoautla that the land, tradition, and joy are sacred—and that as long as El Torito and the copotís dance, the Zoque culture will remain alive.
Dates: May 3 and 31, 2025
Additional Information: It is recommended to arrive independently by public transportation and to wear comfortable clothing. Good physical condition is required, as the activity includes walking through hills and rocky paths.
Target Audience: General public
Accessibility and Services: Parking is available near the starting point; however, the trails and hills visited do not have accessibility ramps for people with disabilities.
Cost: Free of charge