Crisscross Chronicles

  Zimatlán de Álvarez is closely intertwined with the history of the region. Before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the region was inhabited by indigenous Zapotec people, who were known for their advanced civilisation, developing writing systems, agricultural practices, the divinatory calendar, and impressive architecture. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico in 1521, they began their conquest of the Aztec Empire. As they established Spanish rule, they used the same tactics and strategies to expand their territories over Oaxaca, which Zimatlán is part of. With colonisation came the assimilation of the Zapotec people into Spanish culture, where Christianity and European customs were introduced. With time, the cultural and religious changes within the Zapotec civilisation merged with the beliefs and practices of Catholicism. This influence is present in the celebrations of Día de los Muertos, where the pre-Columbian indigenous practice of hon...

Villa de Zaachila is a small town that gained renown for its bustling weekly open-air market, known locally as tianguis. As I strolled through the market, I was greeted by the heady scent of freshly cut flowers and the earthy aroma of recently harvested produce. Practical items like tools and pottery intermingle with artisanal goods. It is a visual spectacle with goods piled high on tables. Some were precariously balanced on crates or laid out on rugs spread across the ground. While many vendors hail from Zaachila, others journey from the neighbouring villages, such as San Bartolo Coyotepec. San Bartolo is famous for its barro negro (black clay) pottery, a traditional art distinctive to Oaxaca dating back to the Zapotec civilisation, which occupied the region for more than 2000 years until the 16th century. The pottery originally had a matte greyish colour. It was used as a functional household item until the 1950s when Doña Rosa, a ceramic artist, found a new technique that made the p...

A new adventure! Festivities around the world are important cultural events. They are opportunities to celebrate and commemorate significant occasions, bringing people together to bond and honour their heritage through entertainment, sharing traditional food, art and craft exhibitions and so on. One such meaningful event in Mexico is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which occurs each year on 1 and 2 November (dates may vary slightly in some regions), a holiday to remember and celebrate the lives of relatives and loved ones who have departed. It is believed that during this holiday period, a bridge between the living and the dead is created, allowing the spirits of the deceased to return for a brief visit with their families and friends. While customs and traditions differ throughout the country, one of the most notable cities hosting Día de los Muertos is Oaxaca City, located in the southern part of Mexico in the state of Oaxaca. This stunning city is filled with colourful facades...