LOCAL CONNECT #32 The Future of the Mojiganga Dance with Abe & Hachi
Towering, playful, and full of life, these giant figures accompany the people of San Miguel through weddings, festivals, and countless celebrations. Over the years, the mojigangas have become a beloved symbol of both the Mexican spirit and the vibrant identity of our town.
Spinning endlessly to the lively rhythm of El Toro Mambo by Banda La Jaripera, occasionally playfully startling tourists and children before leaving them laughing, these larger-than-life puppets are brought to life by two young enthusiasts hidden beneath them: Abe and Hachi.
Their love for the mojigangas began at an early age. Hachi discovered them through his traditional family in La Aurora, while Abe grew up in El Valle del Maíz, where his mother and grandmother would take him to admire the giant figures. Ironically, the ones he remembers most vividly were also the ones that frightened him the most—the Devil and La Calaca.
As fate would have it, the two eventually attended the same middle school, although they were in different classes. Despite not getting along at first, it was their shared fascination with the mojigangas that gradually brought them together, forming a friendship rooted in a common passion.
That passion soon led them to perform in San Miguel's Main Garden, collecting tips while dancing with a mojiganga troupe—an experience they remember as a wonderful chapter in their lives. It introduced them to many members of the local community and eventually opened the door for them to join the renowned workshop in El Valle del Maíz.
Once immersed in the craft, Abe and Hachi began creating their own mojigangas. One of their most cherished creations, a giant figure named Marcelina, patiently awaits her next opportunity to join the joyful dance. It is this creative journey that has inspired the young artisans to dream of opening a workshop of their own in the future.
For them, one of the most important aspects of the tradition is ensuring that the artisans behind each mojiganga receive the recognition they deserve. Too often, the creators remain anonymous, despite the remarkable work of artists such as Hermes Arroyo, Erick Mendoza, and Marco Debrayes, whose unforgettable creations—including an enormous Frida Kahlo—have left a lasting impression on both Abe and Hachi.
The dedication and enthusiasm of these young artisans have not gone unnoticed within San Miguel's traditional community. Workshops such as El Valle del Maíz and Mojigangas MC have welcomed and supported them, encouraging their growth and commitment to preserving this cherished art form.
We celebrate young people like Abe and Hachi, whose passion for San Miguel's traditions ensures that these extraordinary creations will continue dancing for generations to come.
