TUESDAY June 17, 2025: 'AFRO-MESTIZO: Mexico's Hidden Culture' by award winning ZUMA Press Photographer Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez: The annual 'Carnaval' festival has dug its roots into grounds worldwide and Mexico is no different, Afro-Mestizo culture primarily refers to the blending of African, Indigenous, and European influences, particularly as seen in the Afro-Mexican communities of Mexico. These celebrations are said to have pagan origins, with participants wearing colorful capes and animal masks, of bulls, deer, goats and cows giving a unique expression of folk art. Today, the Carnival celebrates the heritage of Afro-Mexicans, who have been historically marginalized, the government didn't formally acknowledge them in the national census until 2015. Despite residing at the fringes of Mexican society, the contributions of Afro-Mexico to the broader Mexican culture is undeniable. Welcome to: 'AFRO-MESTIZO: Mexico's Hidden Culture'
© zReportage.com Story of the Week #994: TUESDAY June 17, 2025: 'AFRO-MESTIZO: Mexico's Hidden Culture' by award winning ZUMA Press Photographer Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez: The annual 'Carnaval' festival has dug its roots into grounds worldwide and Mexico is no different, Afro-Mestizo culture primarily refers to the blending of African, Indigenous, and European influences, particularly as seen in the Afro-Mexican communities of Mexico. These celebrations are said to have pagan origins, with participants wearing colorful capes and animal masks, of bulls, deer, goats and cows giving a unique expression of folk art. Today, the Carnival celebrates the heritage of Afro-Mexicans, who have been historically marginalized, the government didn't formally acknowledge them in the national census until 2015. Despite residing at the fringes of Mexican society, the contributions of Afro-Mexico to the broader Mexican culture is undeniable. Welcome to: 'AFRO-MESTIZO: Mexico's Hidden Culture'
Carnival participants prepare to dance by putting on their costumes at home. Today, the Carnival celebrates the heritage of Afro-Mexicans, who have been historically marginalized, the government didn't formally acknowledge them in the national census until 2015.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Carnival participants prepare to dance by putting on their costumes at home. These celebrations are said to have pagan origins, with participants wearing colorful capes and animal masks, of bulls, deer, goats and cows giving a unique expression of traditional folk art.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Carnival participants prepare to dance by putting on their costumes at home. These celebrations are said to have pagan origins, with participants wearing colorful capes and animal masks, of bulls, deer, goats and cows giving a unique expression of traditional folk art.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Carnival participants prepare to dance by putting on their costumes at home. These celebrations are said to have pagan origins, with participants wearing colorful capes and animal masks, of bulls, deer, goats and cows giving a unique expression of traditional folk art.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Musicians march with participants as residents of the town of Alto Tio Diego celebrate their traditional Afro-Mestizo carnival.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
A young participant removes their mask as residents of the town of Alto Tio Diego celebrate their traditional Afro-Mestizo carnival. As part of the tradition, they wear costumes with wooden masks in the shape of animals or costumes of popular characters.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Carnival participants prepare to dance by putting on their costumes at home. These celebrations are said to have pagan origins, with participants wearing colorful capes and animal masks, of bulls, deer, goats and cows giving a unique expression of traditional folk art.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Carnival participants pose in traditional Afro-Mestizo carnival attire. These celebrations are said to have pagan origins, with participants wearing colorful capes and animal masks, of bulls, deer, goats and cows giving a unique expression of folk art.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Once a year, the people of Alto Tio Diego, adorned in intricate masks and vibrant flower crowns, flood the streets to celebrate their Afro-Mexican heritage.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Musicians march with participants as residents of the town of Alto Tio Diego celebrate their traditional Afro-Mestizo carnival.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
A participant has their hands dyed with bright colorful paint as residents of the town of Alto Tio Diego celebrate their traditional Afro-Mestizo carnival. The event celebrates the heritage of Afro-Mexicans, who have been historically marginalized, the government didn't formally acknowledge them in the national census until 2015.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Residents of the town of Alto Tio Diego celebrate their traditional Afro-Mestizo carnival wearing costumes with wooden masks in the shape of animals as participants parade the streets and dance to the music of violins, guitars and a brass bands.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
A young participant removes their mask as residents of the town of Alto Tio Diego celebrate their traditional Afro-Mestizo carnival. As part of the tradition, many wear costumes with wooden masks in the shape of animals.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Residents of the town of Alto Tio Diego celebrate their traditional Afro-Mestizo carnival, where many participants wear colorful capes with wooden faces in the shape of animals or costumes of popular characters. During the celebration, people go out into the streets to dance to the music of violins, guitars and a brass bands.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Residents of the town of Alto Tio Diego celebrate their traditional Afro-Mestizo carnival, where many participants wear colorful capes with wooden faces in the shape of animals or costumes of popular characters.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
Standing in costume at the local sports ground, two residents of the town of Alto Tio Diego celebrate their traditional Afro-Mestizo carnival. During the celebration, participants wear capes with wooden faces in the shape of animals or costumes of popular characters.
© Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire
