The aim of this work is to present a general reflection on the Tlahualiles dance in Sahuayo (Michoacán, Mexico) and to propose an interpretation of its meaning taking into account its current dynamics. We set out two visions, an interpretation based on historical documentary material and a description of the dance from the same participants, to show internal dynamics and potential tensions between their origins and timeliness. The tension between Catholic religiosity and popular religiosity seems to be present in the practice of this dance. In this regard, we recorded a recent process of ‘endowment’ to remove ‘paganos’ that had prevailed. The methodology consisted of the analysis of historical documentary material and a qualitative approximation with the following techniques: interviews, informal talks and dance observation in different spaces.