This week, we are taking a moment to look back at one of the most vibrant and powerful experiences we’ve had in our travels through Mexico. This striking image features a Conchero, often referred to in English as an Aztec Dancer, captured during a pilgrimage to the town of Ixcateopan, Guerrero.

Located about an hour’s drive from the famous “Silver City” of Taxco, where we are headed tomorrow! Ixcateopan holds a sacred place in Mexican history.

Who are the Concheros?

The Concheros are traditional dance groups that preserve the rituals of the Mexica (Aztec) and other indigenous cultures. Their name comes from the concha (shell) of the armadillo, which was traditionally used to make a stringed instrument similar to a lute, blending indigenous rhythms with Spanish influence.

When you see a Conchero, you aren’t just watching a performance; you are witnessing a living prayer. They wear elaborate penachos (headdresses) made of long feathers and ayoyotes (seed pods) around their ankles that create a rhythmic, percussive sound with every step.

Honoring the Last Emperor

Every year in late February, thousands gather in Ixcateopan to commemorate the birth and death of Cuauhtémoc, the last Tlatoani (ruler) of the Aztec Empire.

Cuauhtémoc is much more than a historical figure; he is a towering symbol of Mexican identity and resistance. He led the defense of Tenochtitlan against the Spanish conquistadors and endured torture rather than reveal the location of Aztec treasures. His remains are said to rest right there in the parish church of Ixcateopan, making the town a site of deep national pride.

A Journey Through Time

We visited during these celebrations a few years ago, and the energy was palpable. The air was thick with the scent of copal incense, and the steady beat of the huehuetl (drums) echoed through the stone and marble streets.

You cannot truly master Spanish without feeling the heartbeat of the cultures that shaped the modern nation.