AZTLÁN
Pride, tradition and Mexican cultural excellence. For more than two decades, Ballet Folklórico Aztlán de México and the Mariachi Internacional Aztlán have carried our identity to the great stages of Europe and the Americas — preserving, promoting and sharing Mexico’s traditions with undeniable artistic excellence.
A full folklórico ballet, a live mariachi, or both on one stage — for festivals, galas, weddings and every celebration in between.
An artistic and cultural reference built through dance and song — evoking the traditions and customs of Mexico's regions, costume by costume.
Tradition and experience with energy and innovation — music that turns feelings into moments your guests carry for years.
Ballet and mariachi together as Mexico’s cultural ambassadors — the complete show that has played Parliament Hill, a royal reception and festival stages in nine countries.
The joy of the Feria de San Marcos state. Blouses of hand-drawn deshilado — Aguascalientes’ signature threadwork — full sunset-coloured skirts and painted trays that turn every turn into a burst of flowers.
An emblem of western Mexico’s folklore. Colour, mischief and regional pride recreate a traditional wedding: elegant zapateado, flirtation and choreographic games tell a story of country love, carried by the full force of the mariachi.
A dazzling homage to the jarocho soul and the elegance of the Sotavento. Zapateado, the ring of the jarana and the traditional white costume with red rebozos recreate the festive coast — celebrating the Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous and Spanish heritage of the Gulf of Mexico.
National pride at full volume. An explosion of colour, rhythm and joy for the cradle of the charro, the mariachi and tequila — crowned by the iconic Jarabe Tapatío.
Ballet Folklórico Aztlán de México, led by Maestro Josué Nieto, is the Mexican folkloric dance company with the greatest international reach in Canada. Its mission: to promote and share Mexican traditions through dance, music and cultural research.
Co-founded in Canada’s National Capital Region as a non-profit by Josué Nieto, after six years touring the world with the Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández.
The cities of Gatineau and Ottawa begin hosting the company, and still do today.
Cultural ambassador of Mexico in North America, in strategic collaboration with Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs.
Plácido Domingo, Céline Dion, Cirque du Soleil, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal and the Grammy-nominated Le Vent du Nord.
The first Mexican folkloric group to perform before the Parliament of Canada. Recognized by Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, and by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
International recognitions from city and state governments, including the mayors of Rome, Warsaw, São Paulo, Ottawa, Chicago and Barcelona.
Hundreds of stages in Mexico, Canada, Brazil, France, Spain, Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic and Türkiye, and hundreds of thousands of spectators. This year the company officially joined IFFGA.
The highest honour Mexico’s government awards through the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME) of the SRE. It recognizes those who have opened the way for new generations and raised Mexico’s name. With it, Ballet Aztlán and Josué Nieto join figures such as astronaut José Hernández, activist Dolores Huerta and writer Sandra Cisneros.
Federations and networks we belong to
CIOFF®CIOFF®International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts · UNESCO partner
FIDAFFIDAFFederation of International Dance Festivals · Active member · South Korea
IFFGAIFFGAInternational Folklore Festival & Groups Association · Member since 2026
festifolkFestifolkFestifolk World · España circuit, 2026 tour
A team deeply committed to preserving our roots.
Danced six years with the Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández before co-founding Aztlán in 2002. Ohtli Award recipient and Exemplary Citizen of Gatineau.
Shapes the choreography and staging of every production, from the Jarabe Tapatío to the Sotavento.
Runs the tours, festivals and partnerships that take Aztlán from Gatineau to stages across Europe.
The eye behind the company’s photos and films, from Parliament Hill to the festival stages of Poland.
We are always looking for dancers and mariachi musicians who want to carry Mexico’s traditions to the world’s stages. Based in Gatineau–Ottawa. Adults only.
The result of discipline and great work over these twenty years.Josué Nieto — Founder, on the City of Gatineau's recognition
Tell us the date and the occasion. We'll bring the dancers, the mariachi, the costumes and the fiesta.