The Cuicatecos and Respect for Nature

San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán and Santa María Pápalo

Guelaguetza Festival 2023 (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca

Guelaguetza

The Guelaguetza festival is held in the capital of Oaxaca on the "Monday of the Hill" in July.

This celebration brings together the different ethnic groups and mestizo cultures of the regions of Oaxaca to share their dances, traditions, and gastronomy with locals and visitors. Learn about them!

Cuicatecos - San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán and Santa María Pápalo (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca

Cuicatecos - San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán and Santa María Pápal

They live in the northwest part of the State of Oaxaca. They are characterized by being kind, supportive, committed, and very sincere people.

Cuicateco is a linguistic grouping that belongs to the Otomangue family. 

Cuicatecos - San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán and Santa María Pápalo (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca

For the Cuicatecos, the love and care of nature is part of their way of life.

Through different ceremonies, they teach young people respect for Mother Earth, the agricultural cycle, the river, the springs, and the farmlands. 

Cuicatecos - San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán and Santa María Pápalo (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca

The women's clothing is composed of a floral skirt, an embroidered white blouse, a scarf, and huaraches.

Girls learn to embroider from a young age and, when they are older, teach this tradition to their daughters and granddaughters. 

Cuicatecos - San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán and Santa María Pápalo (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca

The men wear manta breeches, a manta shirt, hat, and huaraches.

Cuicatecos - San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán and Santa María Pápalo (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca

For Cuicateco women and men, it is very important to preserve their traditional clothing, because it is a legacy for the new generations and allows them to teach them where they come from and where they are going. 

Cuicatecos - San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán and Santa María Pápalo (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca

To talk about the Cuicatecos is to talk about identity. It is a community that maintains love for its land and respect for nature. 

Cuicatecos - San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán y Santa María PápaloSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca

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