Mexicans turn mocking European colonizers into an art form

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
3 Mar 11:52

European invaders are mocked in Mexico as carnival-goers wear costumes similar to those of European colonizers.

Men in wooden masks dance through the streets playing the role of light-skinned Europeans (AFP)

In Tlaxcala Mexico, men in wooden masks imitate light-skinned Europeans and dance in the streets to mock erstwhile invaders. Some of them wore carefully trimmed beards similar to those of Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes, while others only wore mustaches.

The colorful carnival stood out from others in Latin America when a sense of revenge against European invaders was present as Mexican carnival-goers wore flamboyant costumes and masks mocking their colonizers.

Women wore flowing dresses and elaborate European hats which were worn hundreds of years ago by European women.

The aim is to "mock the invaders... especially their customs and habits, which for the people of Tlaxcala were very effeminate," tourist guide Eduardo Cuautle Xochitemotl said.

In 1521, Tlaxcalans allied with Cortes to capture Tenochtitlan in Mexico City. Although they worked together at a certain point, Tlaxcalans were still excluded by Spanish landowners.

"At the time when we were conquered, the big haciendas held huge parties with music and dance, which we, the indigenous people, could not enter," said dancer Carlos Gomez Vazquez.

Spanish invaders weren't the only target of mockery. They also mocked the French influence in the late 19th century under general-turned-president Porfirio Diaz. His legacy is seen in Mexico City's Parisian-style architecture.

"Nowadays the tradition is to mock today's politicians," Xochitemotl said.