A Grand Cultural Festival: The K’uínchekua Will Happen Again in the Mystical Tzintzuntzan, Mexico

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Issue Feb 15-21 2023: The state of Michoacán, Mexico, is one of the richest places in nature, gastronomy, and cultural expressions and, as proof of its great cultural value, the K’uínchekua, “la fiesta de Michoacán,” will be hosted for the second time this year. As explained by Omar Moreno from El Universal of Mexico City, the festival presents dance, music, singing, and religious ceremonies from the Michoacán ethnicities, and it takes place in the archeological zone of Las Yácatas, a region in Tzintzuntzan known as mystic. Its goal is to be seen as the great cultural festival of Michoacán, showcasing the artistic expressions that were born in the region over time.

Andrés Campos, the event’s artistic director, affirmed that with K’uínchekua, the purpose is to reclaim some traditions that have been deformed: “The word (K’uinchekua) in Purépecha means ‘party’ and also makes reference to ‘dream in the sky,’ to the ‘thought in the sky.’” He explained, “This makes sense to us because we talk about the cosmovision of the ancient world and all our cultural manifestations, uses, and customs that are intimately linked to ancient thought.” Campos mentioned how every part of the event was carefully thought out to portray the deep meanings of each manifestation.

This year, the festival will last about two hours, starting off with a video mapping projection that tells the story and cultural greatness of the pueblos and Michoacán communities. Afterwards, the presentations and rituals will be divided by region: de la Sierra, de la Ciénega, la Lacustre, la Cañada, Tierra Caliente del Valle de Apatzingán, and Tierra Caliente de Huetamo. The Pirekua, a traditional singing, and a philharmonic orchestra will also be a part of the show. Regarding the dances, ‘Nana’ Paula, a 102-year-old dancer will perform. Players from Uárhukua will also be presented, an ancient pre-Hispanic ball game, and horse dancers from the region of Tierra Caliente. In total, 402 artists will perform. The food will be prepared by traditional cooks, preparing uchepos, corunda, and much more.

The K’uínchekua will take place from March 17 through March 19.