Student honors ancestors by dressing up in Indigenous attire on graduation day

Graduation is an important day in every student's life and everybody wants to look their best while clicking pictures in their graduation attire. However, a young man named Holcan Mattero–who goes by @holcanmattero on TikTok–chose to pick an interesting outfit as he attended his graduation ceremony. Mattero, who describes himself on his social networks as a Mexican actor and cultural disseminator, uploaded a video that won over the internet as he paid homage to his cultural roots.

"I am graduating as a Biochemical Engineer. Resisting social and cultural backwardness of 500 years." Mattero captioned his popular video, which garnered over 10 million views since it was posted. In the brief video, someone can be heard announcing his name from the podium as Mattero stands up from his seat and makes his way to receive his degree. However, unlike his peers, Mattero is dressed in traditional clothing that was worn in the early Aztec society. His outfit consists of ceremonial bells attached to his ankles, face and body paint and an elaborate feathered headgear known as Penacho of Moctezuma II. 

Some people can be heard cheering and playing traditional Mexican musical instruments in the background. Mattero climbs the podium and shakes the hand of everyone present. Lastly, he turns towards the person filming him and gives a bright smile, later moving towards a group of people who take more pictures of him. He also lets loose his long hair, giving the impression of a true Aztec warrior. The comment section of Mattero's video was flooded with compliments and praises for his decision to choose a ceremonial Aztec ensemble for his graduation outfit to honor his ancestors and culture. @mizz.t94 commented, "Why am I crying?! Everyone is so proud and has no judgment. The world I want my little one to grow up into. Where everyone can be their authentic true self."

@lynyrd2lee explained, "In the Diné way (Navajo), this is an example of a walk in beauty. Never abandon your culture, but find ways to intertwine the old and new world positively." @theroman86 quipped, "I love how everyone felt his endless love for his roots and his pride. No stereotypical minds occupied that room." @bellissimocandytables shared, "As I grew older, I was worried the younger generations would lose our history and no way are they making us more proud." @xibalbaartsca added, "Every time I see one of our youth graduating, I feel a deep sense of pride. My oldest is also an engineer, so many blessings to you." @idissentnow wrote, "I'm so proud of you and I don't even know you. From one indigenous human to another!"

In a second video, Mattero complied with some of the media clippings, who praised his attire during his graduation ceremony and included a little clip of himself wearing the outfit again. "Grateful to each person who made the echo of my voice resonate stronger. Today, I see that I have the opportunity to be the medium that transmits voices from Alaska to Patagonia. Let's keep joining in! We all come from the same origin. P.S. I will post content on my networks soon, which they have been asking me for. I am aware of this beautiful community that we are forming. Thank you," he wrote in the caption.

You can follow Holcan Mattero (@holcanmattero) on TikTok for more videos on Mexican culture.