The Yaqui are a Native American people who have dwelt in the area of the present-day southwestern United States since before the arrival of Europeans. The United States government formally recognized the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in 1978 based on land granted in Arizona, although they have since spread to other areas as well. Many are trilingual in Yaqui, English and Spanish.

In Yaqui worldview, the world is composed of five separate worlds: the desert wilderness world, the mystical world, the flower world, the dream world, and the night world. Much Yaqui ritual is centered upon perfecting these worlds and eliminating the damage that has been done to them, especially by people. Many Yaqui have combined such ideas with Catholicism, and believe that the existence of the world depends on their annual performance of the Lenten and Easter rituals. As such, Yaqui religion is a syncretic mix of old Yaqui beliefs and practices and Catholic teachings, and relies upon song, music, prayer, and dancing performed by designated members of the community.

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