From the earliest of times dance has been an essential element to the cultures of Mexico, South, and Central America. Danza de Concheros (Conchero Dance) preserves the essence of ancient Mexican prehis-panic ceremonies coupled with the syncretism that emerged in the colonial period. Danza de Concheros is a ritual practice that has been passed down from generation to generation, surviving over five centuries of cultural assimilation and persecution, and today represents the soul, mind, and heart of ancient Mexico.

Concheros means “bearers of the shell.” It refers to the medieval lutes made out of armadillo shells that the dancers play as they dance. The sacred circle of dancers moves to the rhythmic sound of the ayoyotes—-seeds attached to the dancers’ feet—-and the huéhuetl—-prehispanic drum—-in an homage of movement to the harmoniousness of the universe.

El Grupo de Danza de Concheros Atl-Tlachinolli de la Virgen de Guadalupue (The Conchero Dance Group Atl-Tlachonolli of the Virgin of Guadalupe) was founded in August of 2006. Its members include women and men of diverse ages, trades, and races whom, out of devotion and faithfulness to their spiritual lineage, carry out their obligación (obligation) of pilgrimage to the sanctuaries of their ancestors to perform their ritual of song and dance and to keep these traditions alive.