Puebla Tehuacán

Living among the abundant vegetation and water rich with minerals, the indigenous groups of the Puebla area make their homes. There are many different indigenous groups all over the state of Puebla; in the north, northwest and south of Tehuacan are the Popolocas, while in the mountains north of Puebla and the southern parts of the area live the Nahua, Totonacas, Huastecos and Otomi. The customs of all the indigenous cultures mingle with colonial and modern culture; however they still maintain their pre-Hispanic roots.

One example of how the indigenous have retained their roots is the use of the same traditional methods for planting crops and using the same tools as their ancestor once did. Another fine example of their traditions are the products which they create; arts and crafts for ceremonies and everyday use, tools to be used inside and outside of the home and certain favorite foods which are unique to their heritage. Their traditional clothing is made up of bright colors and patterns that have been woven for generations, all having different special meaning to the indigenous people. In many villages in the highlands, the man wears black pants and a white blouse, tied at the waist by a decorative belt or Gaza, huaraches and palm hat. The women dress in colored woven textiles that they have made into dresses and other clothing. The tradition of tying ribbons and ornaments on their bodies and in their hair is a spectacular sight but mostly reserved for weddings and very important events. The proximity to the city of Puebla and the construction of better lines of communication are two reasons why the traditional outfits of the indigenous people are disappearing little by little.

The social unit of the family consists of grandparents, parents and children, which Gives more unity and support for the group. For this reason, each person has their own role in the family and society: women are dedicated to the home, cleaning, cooking and developing handicrafts. They are also responsible for the education of children as well as their upbringing and the children help out their mothers with everything they can which includes the care of any animals like chickens, pigs, sheep and goats. The man is responsible for the agricultural work; he also produces handicrafts, and when small, attends school. The household economy of the indigenous communities is sustained in agriculture. Almost all communities have activities where everyone participates: baptisms, weddings and feasts.

The problems facing all indigenous groups are the same: the small size of their plots and erosion and lack of fertilizers to the land. Its main crops are maize, beans, coffee, chili, wheat, cotton, tomatoes and sugar cane. In indigenous food sugar cane is the substitute for sugar and with it they produce traditional liquor called raicilla, a very strong tequila like liquor that is said to produce visions. Ranching is underdeveloped in these communities, predominantly poultry and pigs. Low productivity and land scarcity is forcing them to go elsewhere.