Baile de los Viejitos.

The literal translation is "The Dance of the Little Old Men". This Mexican dance is a specialty of the state of Michoacan, Mexico. I have seen the dance performed by young acrobats (usually male) around the time of New Year celebrations. Several troupes I have met report they have been together for 10 years!

All the troupe members have matching costumes.

As the dance opens, the Los Viejitos creep around like decrepit old men with canes, showing they are lame and old. As the dance proceeds, the men may move into very acrobatic stunts. One troupe told me the dance was a celebration of the old year turning into the new year. It reminded me of the Father Time and New Year Baby characters we often see in the United States around the turn of our new year on January 1.

If you are connected to You Tube, type in Baile de los Viejitos for several entertaining film clips.

Critical Thinking Question: Do you know of any other traditions which celebrate the New Year?

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