Tuguri ceremony in Guajaray

The tuguri is one of the most important rituals and ceremonies of the Macurawe people, also known as Guarijío; it is a ceremony related to the origin of the world. Among the Macurawe, it is said that in the beginning, the world was soft due to the great rains that had passed, and one could not live, plant, or do anything because everything was wet. When the women danced accompanied by the singing of the "maynates," people of great wisdom, they gradually gave strength to the earth, and it became possible to live and plant well.

Tradition says that when a person, man or woman, is born, they have to give thanks for their existence. For this, men have to organize three tuguri ceremonies throughout their lives, while women must hold four celebrations because they give thanks on behalf of their children for the gift of existence. To perform the ceremony, the ritual patio is prepared, with the Holy Cross and the censer for copal; seated on a bench, the maynates or singers interpret different chants related to the beings of nature, while the women dance, either in a line or making circles. With their talks, songs, and blessings, people gather to celebrate this ceremony that can last one or two nights.

In the images, we see different moments of the performance of a tuguri ceremony in the town of Guajaray, to give thanks for the construction and blessing of the church in this beautiful town, which belongs to the Municipality of Álamos, Sonora.