The Yoremes —the Mayo people, the largest Indigenous people of Sonora— live in the south of the state, in municipalities such as Navojoa, Etchojoa and Huatabampo. “Yoreme” means “the people who respect tradition”, and few things show it better than their dances.
The deer
The deer dancer —maaso in the Mayo language— wears a deer head on his forehead and moves with the animal’s agility and silence. The dance speaks of the sacred bond with nature and of respect for the animal that fed the communities for generations.
The pascolas
The pascola, “the old man of the fiesta”, is a festive, wise and mischievous character. With his mask, rattles and words he guides the ceremony and teaches through humor. Deer and pascola dance together and, for many communities, represent the struggle between good and evil.
When to see them
They are performed at religious ceremonies and patron-saint festivities throughout the year, and especially during Lent and Holy Week, the most important ceremonial season for the Mayo people. It is a tradition over 300 years old that other peoples of northwestern Mexico also keep.
How to watch respectfully
Ask before taking photos or video, and respect a “no”.
Keep clear of the dance area and do not touch masks or instruments.
Follow the guidance of each community’s traditional authorities.
Sources: Navojoa municipal government, “Las danzas de los mayos de Sonora”; University of Sonora, Navojoa campus.