What is totonaca?

The Totonaca people are an indigenous group in Mexico who primarily reside in the regions of Veracruz, Puebla, and Hidalgo. They are believed to have lived in the area for over 2,000 years, with their civilization flourishing from around 600-1100 CE.

The Totonaca language, also known as “tachihual,” is a member of the Totonacan language family. It has several dialects, with the most widespread being the Central dialect.

The Totonaca people have a rich cultural heritage, with a particular focus on agriculture, art, and dance. They are known for their intricate sculptures in stone and clay, which are often inspired by nature and depict animals, plants, and anthropomorphic figures.

Dance is an important aspect of Totonaca culture, with many traditional dances still being performed today. One of the most famous is the “Voladores” or “Papantla flyers” dance, which involves four men ascending a tall pole and then spiraling down towards the ground while tied to ropes. This dance is believed to represent the ancient Totonaca myth of the creation of the universe.

Today, the Totonaca people face challenges such as economic marginalization and loss of cultural heritage due to modernization. However, efforts to preserve their traditions have led to the establishment of cultural centers and festivals, as well as educational programs to teach the Totonaca language and customs.