Totonaca Festival System
The organization of the religious festival of the Indians was designed to encourage the entire pueblo to take part in the celebration. It was known as the Mayordomia. Preparation for the festival began four months prior to the event with the assignment of ranks, titles, and specific duties. |
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DU Festival
Our Mayordomia encourages Mexican Folklorico dancers and the general public to partake in a united celebration. Dancers study together, perform in public concerts and are honored in the traditional parade of participating groups. |
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Mayordomos
Greatly respected persons who make all plans and preparations for the festival and are the promoters responsible for arranging groups of dancers, food, drink, and housing. |
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DUF Mayordomos
The Festival Director assigns specific duties to fellow Mayordomos, including the host group, workshop instructors, group directors, and volunteers. |
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Los Fiscales
Elders of the pueblo who decorate the church with flowers and keep the candles burning for five days. |
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DUF Fiscales
The Danzantes Unidos Board of Directors who through their year-round work keep the light of Danzantes Unidos burning as a beacon for all folkloristas. |
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Danzantes
The dancers invited by the Mayordomo to take part in the festival. They might be a part of any of more than twenty groups. |
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DUF Danzantes
The Mexican Folklorico Dance Companies who heed the call and come together in the largest gathering of folklorico dancers in the world. |
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Campaneros
Persons responsible for ringing the bells each hour during the festival. |
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DUF Campaneros
Music makers and strolling musicians who provide the music for the people and the dancers. |
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Totiles
A Nahuatl word meaning "helper". These are the assistants to the Mayordomos. |
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DUF Totiles
Volunteers who assist the Mayordomos in such tasks as stage production, decorations, food preparation, and housing. |
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Mandones
Assistants to the Mayordomos who are sent to do the special tasks during the actual festival. |
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DUF Mandones
Ushers, festival workers, clean-up committee are all essential to the smooth working of the festival. |
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La Colecta
An event which occurred on the four Mondays preceding the festival wherein the Mayordomos and Fiscales gathered in one house to take up a collection to defray the costs of the festival. |
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DUF Colecta
DUF funds come from registration fees, grants, awards and corporate and local businesses. Monies from early registration allow us to contract for services that will benefit the festival. |
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Tatitas Principales
The most respected viejos and viejas of the pueblo who are the honored guests of Mayordomos. |
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DUF Tatitas Principales
Workshop instructors, honored guests, sponsors, officials and invited artists. Not necessarily viejos and viejas, but certainly folks who have toiled in the field. |
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La Manda
A sacred honor bestowed upon the Mayordomo to take care of the physical and spiritual needs of the danzantes. |
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DUF Manda
Our Festival Director is charged with the responsibility of caring for the participating danzantes, their directors, maestros, festival staff, attending community and invited guests during the festival. |
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Mayordomo's Post
A time frame of one year was stipulated for the post of Mayordomo and a jail term was called for if the designated person refused the position. At the close of the festival a meeting of Mayordomos was held to determine who would accept the honor of organizing the following year's festival. |
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DUF Mayordomo's Post
Yes, it's a big responsibility and one that we gladly take on to honor the work of our community and to avoid serving time. Perhaps, YOU would like to host next year? Please make plans to attend our board meeting on the Monday immediately following the festival. |
