08 de Septiembre
Cohuiná of the Virgin of the Nativity – 2nd Poniente Street, corner of 8th Norte. Cruz Blanca Neighborhood, Ocozocoautla, Chiapas
The Pashtú Dance is one of the most emblematic traditional expressions of Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, Chiapas. It takes place every September 8, as part of the religious festivities in honor of the Virgin of the Nativity.
This performance is regarded as a symbolic continuation of the Dance of the Moors and Christians, as it retains elements of spiritual confrontation and represents the eternal battle between good and evil. Unlike the historical narrative of the Reconquista, however, this dance integrates a more intimate and local perspective—one connected to popular devotion and Christian martyrdom.
At the heart of the performance is the story of Saint Sebastian, a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and was executed for his faith. His martyrdom is accompanied by characters who embody the conflict between divine light and the dark forces that seek to spread chaos. Among them appears the Pashtú, an enigmatic and feared figure dressed entirely in black, who bursts onto the scene with a menacing presence.
Unlike the other dancers, who wear colorful and festive costumes, the Pashtú’s dark attire and silent demeanor give him an unsettling aura. He embodies evil itself—that constant shadow that follows humanity and manifests in moments of weakness. Throughout the dance, the Pashtú moves unpredictably among the spectators with quick, sharp motions. His most characteristic gesture is to “ramear” (brush or tap) the attendees, a symbolic act representing how evil can intrude unexpectedly into daily life, even touching the most devout.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Additional Information: Visitors are encouraged to arrive independently using public transportation.
Audience: General public
Accessibility & Services: Parking is available near the cohuiná; the city and local parks are equipped with accessibility ramps for people with disabilities.
Cost: Free of charge
This performance is regarded as a symbolic continuation of the Dance of the Moors and Christians, as it retains elements of spiritual confrontation and represents the eternal battle between good and evil. Unlike the historical narrative of the Reconquista, however, this dance integrates a more intimate and local perspective—one connected to popular devotion and Christian martyrdom.
At the heart of the performance is the story of Saint Sebastian, a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and was executed for his faith. His martyrdom is accompanied by characters who embody the conflict between divine light and the dark forces that seek to spread chaos. Among them appears the Pashtú, an enigmatic and feared figure dressed entirely in black, who bursts onto the scene with a menacing presence.
Unlike the other dancers, who wear colorful and festive costumes, the Pashtú’s dark attire and silent demeanor give him an unsettling aura. He embodies evil itself—that constant shadow that follows humanity and manifests in moments of weakness. Throughout the dance, the Pashtú moves unpredictably among the spectators with quick, sharp motions. His most characteristic gesture is to “ramear” (brush or tap) the attendees, a symbolic act representing how evil can intrude unexpectedly into daily life, even touching the most devout.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Additional Information: Visitors are encouraged to arrive independently using public transportation.
Audience: General public
Accessibility & Services: Parking is available near the cohuiná; the city and local parks are equipped with accessibility ramps for people with disabilities.
Cost: Free of charge