Cultural Knowledge in the Traditional Dances of Las Ánimas, Guerrero: A Perspective on Symbolic and Community Transmission

Abstract

This article analyzes the cultural knowledge expressed and symbolically transmitted through the traditional dances Los Gallitos and Los Diablos Rojos in the community of Las Ánimas, Guerrero. Using a qualitative and ethnographic approach, the study examines how these ritual expressions contribute to socialization, collective identity, and community education. Through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and visual documentation, four key analytical axes were identified. The results reveal that the dances not only preserve ancestral elements but also function as pedagogical, political, and social tools in contexts of cultural transformation driven by hegemonic globalization. The three groups studied maintain a strong relationship of identity, harmonization, socialization, and connection with their ancestors. It is concluded that these dances represent living spaces of symbolic resistance, strengthening the social fabric and reinforcing the sense of belonging, making their preservation fundamental for sustainable development and the cultural continuity of rural communities.