Leon Magallan, better known by his dancing name of Aztleca, was a Chicano warrior.

For the past 40 years, he was one of the most active members of the Movimiento Chicano, past and present, in San Diego.

In every major marcha, in every major strug-gle, in every major protest, he was there, with his vestimenta danzante, ready to bless and to help the movement in any way he could.

Aztleca passed away on Sept. 19, and since then, the Chicano community of San Diego, especially in Barrio Logan and Chicano Park, has come together to pay tribute to this Chicano brother. A celebration of life and ceremony for Aztleca is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27th, starting at 5 a.m. in Chicano Park.

Aztecla was a danzante, and he always honored the spring and summer equinox, and was part of Día de los Muertos ceremonies every year at Chicano Park. He’s remembered by many as a person who was proud of his Indigenous heritage.

“Like all Danzantes Aztecas and Chicano Cultural Workers, Aztleca stood before the tidal wave of colonization as a flag bearer proclaiming, ‘We are still here, the land calls its people!’, said Chicano Park muralist Mario Chacón.

Danzante Mariana de la Rosa, who was a close friend of Aztleca, said that he was a veteran danzante, one of the first in the region. She said that he was a very private person. Some people claim he was from Mexico City, others that he was born in Texas. De la Rosa estimates that he was 79 years old. She added that he lived a very harsh life. Throughout his life there were times when he was homeless. But even with all the struggles in his own life, Aztleca was always present in Chicano community events, De la Rosa.

Unfortunately, no family member has come forward to claim Aztleca’s body. Currently, his body is being held with the city.

Chicano Park Steering Committee President Tommie Camarillo said that a social worker went to Aztleca’s house and found a statement written by him as to who to contact in case of emergency.

That person and a group of danzantes led by Mario Aguilar of Mexi’cayotl Indio Cultural Center raised funds to give a proper and dignifying funeral for Aztleca.

On the Chicano Park Steering Committee website, artist Carmen Kalo said that Aztleca “was a great friend to many of us and will always be loved by not only danzantes but the many people he touched with his happiness for life. He will be truly missed and we honor his time he share with all of us. We pray that his walk was a peaceful one and reached his destination safely into the arms of creator.”

Chicano Park muralist Victor Ochoa said that “Aztleca brought to our region a interesting blend of authenticity in our pre-Colombian heritage with a modern art view and scientific or alchemists perspectives, when he explained his theories a greater audience understood.

“He often recited poetry with a voice of the old story tellers and rhythms of the ancients, his words covered many theological mysteries and our ancient history recovered through la danza.”

Ochoa said that Aztleca continued organizing ancient ceremonies and events in many locations of Aztla. He also was involved in the Monty Montezuma issue at San Diego State University several years ago, helping achieve more respect to this image of the Aztec in contemporary society.

“Aztleca will be remembered for his continual revitalizing effort to bring forth out ancient knowledge to youth and our general community,” Ochoa said.

Aztleca, presente! Él es dios! Ye’hua Teotl!

For more information on the Oct. 27th Aztleca memorial please send an e-mail to cuauhtlehcoc@cox.net