More than 800 children perform cultural traditions in Mexico City

More than 800 children and teenagers from 183 Semilleros Creativos gathered in the Zócalo of Mexico City to perform in the Voces Vivas: Salvando al Fuego community culture festival.

The participants prepared for the event during a creative camp at the Centro Vacacional IMSS Oaxtepec. During this period, the youth shared traditional knowledge, indigenous languages, and artistic expressions from their various home communities.

The festival aims to present these cultural expressions without turning them into mere folklore, focusing instead on the lived reality of indigenous people. The performers include musicians, dancers, and choir members who represent different regions of Mexico. Some participants, such as Dulce Alejandra Pérez Toro from Sierra Juárez, expressed goals of becoming female composers to preserve traditional music while inspiring other girls. Other children shared stories and songs in languages like purépecha and amuzgo, reflecting the diversity of the group.

The festival organizers described the event as a ritual experience that connects ancient stories with modern life, including the experiences of families affected by migration. The performance features a large wooden device shaped like a quincunce, a symbol representing the corners of the world. The children will perform the final act on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM.