19 de Marzo
Parish of San Fernando
The Zoque Carnival of San Fernando, a town known in the Zoque language as Shahuipac, is one of the most representative cultural expressions of the Zoque people of San Fernando, Chiapas. It is a community-based celebration deeply rooted in Zoque faith and identity, open to the respectful participation of residents and visitors who wish to take part in this tradition passed down through generations. The carnival takes place one week before Holy Week, from Thursday to Thursday.
Among the central elements of the carnival are its emblematic dances: the kanetzé or Tiger Dance, the tsawietzé or Monkey Dance, and the Dance of the Giants and the Archer. These representations, performed by characters such as the Tiger (jaguar), the Monkey, and the Giants, form a complex ritual system of great historical and symbolic value, with both pre-Hispanic and biblical references. The Tiger Dance stands out in particular due to its strong connection to the Zoque worldview and the symbolic power of the jaguar.
The origin of the carnival is associated with a local legend that tells of an encounter between a jaguar and a monkey playing in a ravine in the region. This event, interpreted as a message of coexistence and balance between opposites, gave rise to the organization of a dance that eventually became the central axis of the celebration.
The religious heart of the carnival is the image of Our Lord Jesus of Good Hope, carefully safeguarded by the community and placed on the main altar, adorned with joyonaqués - traditional floral arrangements. During the carnival and throughout the period in which the image remains in the homes of the priostes (stewards), prayers, dances, novenas, and communal gatherings are held. Those who attend are considered “visitors of the Lord” and participate by offering prayers for good harvests, sufficient rainfall, and daily sustenance.
Activities include the preparation and sharing of traditional foods such as pozol, as well as the procession of the image of Our Lord Jesus of Good Hope to the main church of San Fernando. The dance cycle follows a precise ritual order: it begins with the Dance of the Variteros, which defines the ceremonial space, followed by the Tiger and Monkey Dance, and culminates with the Dance of the Giants and the Archer.
Each edition of the carnival is unique, reflecting the people who experience it and the social dynamics of each year. During the main days—Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday—the so-called manchadores participate: young people who throw eggs, water, paint, foam, and confetti as part of the festive atmosphere. To fully enjoy this cultural experience, it is recommended to do so accompanied by a certified tour guide and to wear clothing that can get stained.
Among the central elements of the carnival are its emblematic dances: the kanetzé or Tiger Dance, the tsawietzé or Monkey Dance, and the Dance of the Giants and the Archer. These representations, performed by characters such as the Tiger (jaguar), the Monkey, and the Giants, form a complex ritual system of great historical and symbolic value, with both pre-Hispanic and biblical references. The Tiger Dance stands out in particular due to its strong connection to the Zoque worldview and the symbolic power of the jaguar.
The origin of the carnival is associated with a local legend that tells of an encounter between a jaguar and a monkey playing in a ravine in the region. This event, interpreted as a message of coexistence and balance between opposites, gave rise to the organization of a dance that eventually became the central axis of the celebration.
The religious heart of the carnival is the image of Our Lord Jesus of Good Hope, carefully safeguarded by the community and placed on the main altar, adorned with joyonaqués - traditional floral arrangements. During the carnival and throughout the period in which the image remains in the homes of the priostes (stewards), prayers, dances, novenas, and communal gatherings are held. Those who attend are considered “visitors of the Lord” and participate by offering prayers for good harvests, sufficient rainfall, and daily sustenance.
Activities include the preparation and sharing of traditional foods such as pozol, as well as the procession of the image of Our Lord Jesus of Good Hope to the main church of San Fernando. The dance cycle follows a precise ritual order: it begins with the Dance of the Variteros, which defines the ceremonial space, followed by the Tiger and Monkey Dance, and culminates with the Dance of the Giants and the Archer.
Each edition of the carnival is unique, reflecting the people who experience it and the social dynamics of each year. During the main days—Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday—the so-called manchadores participate: young people who throw eggs, water, paint, foam, and confetti as part of the festive atmosphere. To fully enjoy this cultural experience, it is recommended to do so accompanied by a certified tour guide and to wear clothing that can get stained.