My love affair with Mexico continues, this time in Oaxaca (WA-há-CA), the capital of Oaxaca state in the southern part of the country. I’m here for two weeks, thanks to credit card points, and in less than 48 hours I’ve decided I’ll have to return. Here are a few things I’ve learned since arriving.
Diversity
Oaxaca is the most diverse state in Mexico and has the largest number of indigenous people in North America. There are 16 officially recognized indigenous groups, each with their own language and customs, and hundreds of subgroups.
Around Oaxaca state, there are weekly markets where people from different indigenous groups come to sell their products. There is at least one market for each day of the week. I’ll be exploring some of these during my time here.
I’ve also learned that Oaxaca has the highest level of biodiversity in Mexico, due to its varied topography and climates across the state. There are famous beaches on the coast but I’m hoping to get to the mountains.
Food
Oaxaca is the food capital of Mexico. Comida Oaxaqueña can be found throughout the country. I’m in the midst of exploring it, but have been told it is very distinct from one area of the state to the next. Some of the specialties:
- Chocolate, especially delicious organic hot chocolate cooked in a clay pot over a charcoal fire.
- Coffee. Some say it is the best in Mexico. Small independent cafes are on every street and I’m enjoying it!
- Tlayudas, also known as “Oaxacan pizza.”
- Mezcal. There are tours with generous samples, perhaps I’ll try one!
- Oaxacan cheese.
- Mole, the rich brown Mexican sauce that combines chocolate, chillies, and many other flavors, frequently served over chicken. Oaxaca has seven varieties.
- All kinds of delicious street food, including barbecued grasshoppers (haven’t tried them yet!)
- And of course, there are Oaxacan versions of tacos, tamales, enchiladas, and more.
What’s it really like?
Oaxaca is also a poor state with a poverty rate of over 60%, and more than 70% of indigenous people in Mexico live in poverty according to a recent census. It’s great for tourists and middle-class Mexicans, but how is this helping the locals? Tomorrow I will take a tour with an organization that helps indigenous women through microfinancing loans. I hope to learn more about the lives of the average person here and how tourism might help.
Murals Everywhere
Today was all about murals. I walked through several neighborhoods seeking out the many murals that can be found in the city. I haven’t found them all, but here is a sampling.
August 8, 2019 @ 06:46
Great post, Tim…….as always, looking forward to hearing all about your adventures and learning. Love the murals and the food sounds fab!
August 8, 2019 @ 21:26
I have to remember not to eat too much so I can save room for the next snack or meal.
August 8, 2019 @ 07:51
I love Mexico and the Mexican people. One tour we did to a cenote one time also brought us through were the government had set up property for local Mayan population. They receive a small concrete home (it was some how specific to their traditions) and solar power. This was to make sure of their safety during hurricanes.
August 8, 2019 @ 21:27
There’s so much to see and learn about here!
August 8, 2019 @ 09:09
Talk about a world of color! You definitely are seeing it. Thanks for sharing all the amazing mural stuff.
However, the teeth/mouth sculpture is giving me the creeps!
August 8, 2019 @ 21:29
Yes, creepy, and there were creepier ones I didn’t put in.
August 8, 2019 @ 09:14
The Despacito SoundCloud was excellent!
August 8, 2019 @ 21:31
August 8, 2019 @ 21:54
Nice! Now I want to go too.
August 10, 2019 @ 17:43
You must!
August 9, 2019 @ 12:52
The art work is amazing! Looks like your love affair with Mexico continues! Glad you are enjoying yourself
August 10, 2019 @ 17:42
Yes, someday I’ll introduce you to Mexico.