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The Ancestral Splendor Of Oaxaca, Mexico
There are certain times during the year that you may want to visit the city of Oaxaca (although most anytime would be good). December is clearly one of those seasons. A time of festivities–full of music, colorful traditional dresses, ancestral dancing, and unique cuisine. An urban city designated as a heritage site surrounded by the Sierra mountains at 5,000 feet above sea level. This city and the state of Oaxaca, is known for its indigenous art and handicrafts. Maker of at least 8 different types of mole’. The home of Mezcal with way too many varieties of this mystical libation to take with you. It is the homeland of the Mixtecos and Zapotecos, whose decedents today represent over 16 ethnic groups. An entirely distinct part of Mexico, perfect for celebrating the holidays and ringing in the new year.
But First a Bit of History
Oaxaca ( wuh-hah-kuh) is one of 32 states in Mexico, the most ethnically diverse, claiming at least 16 ethnic groups. Each with their own language, culture, and traditions using Spanish as the primary vehicle for communicating. This mountainous terrain was once occupied by the Aztecs and the Zapotecos later conquered by the Spaniards during the 15th century. The Mixtecos, also conquered by the Spaniards, resided mostly in the northern and western part of the Oaxaca state. Over the centuries, migration…
