Oaxaca

The colorful city of Oaxaca is tropical and the beautiful floral surrounds must have influenced the use of colors in the buildings and garments. This city of 3.8 million people are a confluence of various indigenous people, predominantly Zapotec and Miztec. Most are devout Catholics and hard workers. The fields that surround the city are planted in rows of agave (for tequila, mescal, and pulque), marigolds, celosia and various crops like corn with rows that appear to be dug by hand as they are often irregular and not sharply linear. Marigolds, celosia, and a few other flowers are a fall crop, seemingly bought by every household and business to decorate for Day of the Dead. Large shrines or ofrendas are created and filled with items that a lost relative or friend would have enjoyed. November 2nd is a national holiday to commemorate the Day of the Dead and a large percentage of the population can be found in local cemeteries on the the 1st,  passing the night together and talking about those that have passed. I observed some knee slapping, imagining that each year tall tales get taller, and more humor is added as time passes. 

Day trips included the ancient ruins of Monte Alban and Mitla and we had excellent guides that accompanied us with each trip. 

Stone carvings at Monte Alban have been deciphered by archeologists and the conclusion is that most carvings are of sacrificed humans, the reason for their odd poses. It was also believed that all were men, but this carving is that of a female and a breach birth. 

The beautiful ruins at Mitla were a religious center for the Zapotec, with Monte Alban built as the political center or hub. Of course I was intrigued by the local flora. 

Fences made of cactus were common and I'm sure they are very effective.

Parades or comparsas continued in the city, so everyday held the potential for colorful celebrations.

I was repeatedly told that I would love Oaxaca and indeed I did!

 

Comments

[Scott Sneddon]

I can see why!