The deer dance of the Yaqui and Mayo people of Sonora, Mexico, is not a performance but a ceremonial and sacred blessing. Thanks to many decades of respect between TMY organizers and the Yaqui/Yoeme people, this blessing has been shared at the festival, one of the only places it can be seen outside of its ceremonial context. For the Yaqui/Yoeme, the deer is a symbol of goodness–he comes to the people and offers himself to them for their well-being. Pascola dancers dance with gratitude in the deer’s honor.
NO PHOTOS PERMITTED.
Photo by Steven MecklerDetails
Cultural Communities / Countries of
Origins
Indigenous, Yaqui, Yoeme
Type of Performance
Dance/Movement
- Church stage, Sunday Oct 9, 4:00 to 6:00 PM (Ceremony)