- Date Of Birth: February 29, 1952
- Date Of Death: May 7, 2022
- State: Colorado
Raul Chavez Portillo, age 70, died in his home in Denver co on May 7,2022. He was born February 29,1952 in Mazatlan Mexico at age 5 he was given the name of Tlaloc his grandfather, in order to preserve the traditions of his ancestors. He spent his formative years studying and perfecting his knowledge and skills as a Conchero & Aztec Danzante and a curandero.
He was preceded in death by his father Mauro and his mother Maria de Jesus and his sister Maria del Rosario Chavez, all from is survived by his wife Susan Chavez and his children Maria Chavez, Martin Chavez, Marisela Chavez Blanca Chavez, Savina Chavez, Noe Chavez, Steban Chavez, Maria Marquez and adopted daughter Ruth Salazar. He has many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and huge loving community that looked up to him as the Capitan of Aztec groupo Huitzilopochtli..
And our Sun did rise again and all things having been preserved. Raul brought forth all that had been saved back to the original tradition and rebirth of the Danza Mexica, the Aztec warrior, who now are charged with protecting and maintaining these same traditions as well as share them. We have our memories in tact, our traditions in tact because of this 530 year continuum that Raul, in our time, brought to fruition here in the Denver community
Raul carried a lineage, generations old. He carried a Capitania from his own ancestors, grandparents and elders in Mexico. Chicanos do not carry the tradition of Capitania. He carried this solely and all of us stand on his shoulders. Tlazocamati Compadre, tlazocamati brother! May we each carry this palabra with the grace, love, humility and kindness that you showed to us! “
Chavez’s grupo Huitzilopochtli’s circle is currently made up of dancers from Mexico and Colorado, along with their families, and those that have been guided to this path.
Chavez guided Grupo Huitzilopochtli on a journey to enrich the lives of thousands of Mexican/Chicano youth and their families, as they struggled to connect to their cultural roots. Chavez always maintained an open-door policy, welcoming all who wished to join his troupe, regardless of their ancestry. He recognized the indigenous heritage of all people and he embraced diversity while striving to instill community stewardship and tolerance.
He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, inclusivity, and kindness.
For more information contact
Raul Chavez Memorial Fund
