Homage to Cuauhtémoc
Dancers in feathered headdresses trimmed with beads and mirrors whirl and shake. The dancers move faster and faster until they suddenly stop. There is then a moment of silence.
The dance is part of a celebration held every year on August 21 in Mexico City to honour Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec Indian ruler of Mexico. The Aztecs were an American Indian people who were fierce warriors and ruled a mighty empire in Mexico during the 1400’s and early 1500’s. The Spaniards conquered the empire in 1521 and destroyed it.
Many people in Mexico today are related to the Aztecs. These people and other Mexicans honour Cuauhtémoc with a festival because of his bravery in defending the Aztecs. The festival includes readings of the story of his life and his fight against the Spanish and wonderful dances by large groups. Cuauhtémoc lived from about 1495 to 1525.
Picture Credit : Google