Cuetzalan: Cooperation, variety and nature

In the community of Cuetzalan, the resources and worldview of their people create a perfect harmony that can be seen in the ingredients of their food.

De vuelos y rituales by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

There is a story that the Totonac people tell in which four dancers—of those known as flying men—and their captain were on the mast, up on high. Suddenly, they took them to heaven, along with their strings and artifacts. The days passed until they returned flying like birds, but they couldn't perch on this pole as it had already been removed. It is believed that during the holidays this cannot be removed immediately, in case this happens again.

Lenguas y comunicación by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

In Cuetzalan you can feel like a bird and dancer at the same time: it is between clouds and humid landscapes, you can hear the wind blowing with other sounds. Its name comes from the words cuezali, meaning "colorful bird" and the preposition tlán, meaning "place," It can be defined as the "place where colored birds abound", according to what the lexicographer Rémi Siméon documented in the Dictionary of the Nahuatl or Mexican Language. It's common to hear bird conversations while you stay silent.

Tepache by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

It is also common to hear people speak in Nahuatl and in Spanish in this town of the Northern mountain range of Puebla, among its irregular streets and in different walkways.

De quelites en Cuetzalan by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

In its Sunday market, of pre-Hispanic origin, barter and the arrival of food from nearby communities is still in effect, it is fundamental to know a deeper and more varied Puebla, which is sometimes unknown in the cities of the state.

De quelites en Cuetzalan by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

An example initiative based in Cuetzalan is the Tosepan Titataniske cooperative that distinguishes itself by the self-management of Nahuatl women and men.

De quelites en Cuetzalan by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

The Indigenous Cooperative Movement of the Northern mountain range of Puebla began in 1977 and was formalized in 1980 with the constitution of this community, which is an example of perseverance and pride. "Tosepan Titataniske" means "united we will overcome" in Nahuatl.

Flores al plato by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

In addition to being an independent tourism proposal, they are also able to gather, process and market products such as coffee, pepper and honey, with which they generate income on a regular basis.

Vainilla by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

They incurred financial services in order to have their own capital and have believed in ecotourism managed by their community.

Canela by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

Cinnamon 

It is offered in large, deep-colored, mahogany logs. With a little of it you can flavor stews and infusions.

Calabaza melón by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

Melon Pumpkin 

Its shape is very peculiar: it is oval and large, with a reddish shell. It tastes like papaya and is similar to tamala squash. It is one of the wonders of the northern Sierra Puebla.

Miel de Scaptotrigona mexicana by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

Scaptotrigona mexicana honey


Pisilnekmej means "little bee" in Nahuatl. This stingless native Mexican species (similar to the Mayan melipona) lives in clay pots in groups of up to 2,000, with two queens in each. Its scientific name is Scaptotrigona mexicana and its honey is unique: acidic, slightly fermented and floral.

Alimentos de la milpa by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos








The archaeological zone near Cuetzalan is Yohualichan, "The house of the night", its importance lies in the fact that it was the first Totonac settlement that experienced its heyday and development around 600 AD until the site was abandoned to emigrate to what today It is known as El Tajín, according to information from the National Institute of Anthropology and History.

Frutas en Cuetzalan by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos

Fruits in Cuetzalan

Chinese pomegranate, the fruit variety is abundant. Each season has its own, so the best way to find out is by visiting its street markets.

Dulces tradicionales by Mariana Castillo HernándezCocina Cinco Fuegos


In this destination lives the inheritance, but above all the wealth of the present, which lies in the social organization and respect for the environment.

Tlacoyos by Andrés LobatoCocina Cinco Fuegos


In this destination lives the inheritance, but above all the wealth of the present, which lies in the social organization and respect for the environment.

Credits: Story

Curaduría:
Mariana Castillo Hernández
Fotógrafos / Creadores:

Mariana Castillo Hernández
Andrés Lobato

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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