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In the magical town of Huejotzingo, five young people have launched a unique movement against animal cruelty. Through the art of papier-mâché, they create animal sculptures to protest illegal hunting and the use of stuffed animals in traditional ceremonial costumes.
In the annual festival, Indio Serrano characters use dried animals as part of their costumes, believing that they bring blessings and prosperity. But the increase in the number of participants—more than two thousand people now—has raised concerns about the environmental impact and illegal wildlife trade.
Colectivo H, as they call themselves, took action a year ago by creating an ecological alternative. Their cardboard and glue sculptures are lightweight, attractive and can be customized to suit everyone's taste. This initiative has received the support of ecologists from UNAM, who have even identified rare species such as the giant anteater as being used in ceremonial costumes.
The project began with the creation of coyote and cacomixtle molds, funded by PECDA. The youth revived a traditional knowledge of the community—carton art—that has been part of the Matachines festival for generations. With the help of designers and festival community members, they created real statues that are already in use and will be officially unveiled at the festival on February 14.
These statues are sold in the town’s main square at a lower price than stuffed animals. For those who cannot afford to buy them, workshops are organized so participants can learn how to make their own statues. Proceeds help develop new molds and fund more workshops.
Festival elders like Don Heriberto Alvarado have embraced this change. After five decades of participation, he now carries statues instead of slaughtered animals. For them, it is a sign of respect for nature and the cycle of life.
Colectivo H is also expanding the project to include elementary school children, teaching them early on the importance of protecting wildlife. They also plan to decorate the statues in cultural styles such as Talavera and Puebla’s volcanic landscapes.
Puebla and national laws provide harsh penalties for poaching and animal cruelty, but there is still a clandestine trade in dried animals for high prices. This is a challenge that this project directly addresses.
The Huejotzingo Festival, which will take place February 14–17, is known for its music, fireworks, and unique costumes. But now, through the creativity of these young people, it is also beginning to become a platform for social and ecological revolution, combining culture with respect for natural life.
In the annual festival, Indio Serrano characters use dried animals as part of their costumes, believing that they bring blessings and prosperity. But the increase in the number of participants—more than two thousand people now—has raised concerns about the environmental impact and illegal wildlife trade.
Colectivo H, as they call themselves, took action a year ago by creating an ecological alternative. Their cardboard and glue sculptures are lightweight, attractive and can be customized to suit everyone's taste. This initiative has received the support of ecologists from UNAM, who have even identified rare species such as the giant anteater as being used in ceremonial costumes.
The project began with the creation of coyote and cacomixtle molds, funded by PECDA. The youth revived a traditional knowledge of the community—carton art—that has been part of the Matachines festival for generations. With the help of designers and festival community members, they created real statues that are already in use and will be officially unveiled at the festival on February 14.
These statues are sold in the town’s main square at a lower price than stuffed animals. For those who cannot afford to buy them, workshops are organized so participants can learn how to make their own statues. Proceeds help develop new molds and fund more workshops.
Festival elders like Don Heriberto Alvarado have embraced this change. After five decades of participation, he now carries statues instead of slaughtered animals. For them, it is a sign of respect for nature and the cycle of life.
Colectivo H is also expanding the project to include elementary school children, teaching them early on the importance of protecting wildlife. They also plan to decorate the statues in cultural styles such as Talavera and Puebla’s volcanic landscapes.
Puebla and national laws provide harsh penalties for poaching and animal cruelty, but there is still a clandestine trade in dried animals for high prices. This is a challenge that this project directly addresses.
The Huejotzingo Festival, which will take place February 14–17, is known for its music, fireworks, and unique costumes. But now, through the creativity of these young people, it is also beginning to become a platform for social and ecological revolution, combining culture with respect for natural life.