Over the course of a year, a group of talented artisans in Yautepec created an intricately beaded and feathered costume known as a Chinelo as a gift to members of the Mexican diaspora in the Twin Cities. The suit, titled Immigrants, celebrates working people across national borders and highlights the essential contributions of Mexican workers in North America.

As a form of artistic resistance that emerged during the colonial period, Chinelos also embody cultural resilience. Blending Catholic and Indigenous visual traditions, elaborately masked Chinelo dancers could anonymously mock—especially during Carnival celebrations—the governing authority of European colonizers. Today, Chinelos are a popular feature of Independence Day and Carnival celebrations throughout the Mexican state of Morelos, parts of the State of Mexico, and Mexico City, especially in the boroughs of Milpa Alta, Tlalpan, Xochimilco, and Magdalena Contreras.

Through the efforts of artist and educator Xavier Tavera and the collective generosity of the artisans of Morelos, Immigrants entered Mia’s collection in 2025, ensuring future public appreciation of this one-of-a-kind work of art.