Los Hermitanos. Michoacan

During the extended season of Navidad in this village, children assume the role of mysterious hermits---los hermitanos---and lead colorfully costumed participants, including a brass band, from house to house in search of El Nino (the Christ child). Welcoming households open their doors inviting the entire entourage in to visit the traditional nativity display, typically found in a large central courtyard. Once inside, the hermits visit El Nino with respect. Then the band strikes up an oompahpah tune and the hermits urge the girls in the procession to dance, jokingly prodding them with their canes. After a song or two, the host household rewards everyone with tangerines and sugar cane. The hermits finally lead the procession back into the streets to continue the search for the next obliging household. Dressed like wizards, "los hermitanos" wear distinctive wooden masks, long colorful robes, and tall pointed hats transforming themselves into mysterious figures descended from the wilderness to lead the Christ child search.

 

Santa Fe de la Laguna, Michoacan, Mexico.

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