Traditional Baptism in Oaxaca.
Santa Inés Yatzechel is a Zapotec town located 33 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca in the Ocotlán Valley of Morelos. In this town, customs and traditions are still preserved, especially their native language. We are at a celebration of José Manuel's baptism, and I am truly amazed by the way the child's godparents are attended. Food and the delicious mezcal, produced right here in the Oaxaca Valley, are essential to this event.
Today is the day the godparents are honored, and as a way of thanking them for the favor of bringing the child to the sacrament of baptism, it is customary to give them a gift: 15 large loaves of bread, which we call "borregos" here. Mr. Chogol and other men are in charge of packing them in a new basket. The closest family members must be present for this, as everything is done with great respect. Not only that, but the women also place 15 pieces of chocolate in new baskets, which they prepared a few days before. They add the chili for the mole, as well as all the other ingredients needed to prepare this rich and delicious dish. And of course, there's a bottle of mezcal and a case of beer, and to complete the offering, two turkeys, which we'll see later in this ceremony.
These are the true customs and traditions of the Oaxaca Valley, which are still deeply rooted and identify us as Zapotec people.
The celebration continues. The women prepare corn atole, which will be given to the guests who arrive today. This has a special meaning; we call it a little something extra from the organizers of the celebration—a gift of food for you to take home.
The beers are getting cold and are waiting for the godfather and his guests to arrive and share with everyone today.
The godparents of The baptism has just begun, and with it, more gifts like souvenirs and a change of clothes for the godson. This day must be celebrated with great enthusiasm!
It's time to attend to the godparents and their guests. The chocolate maker is already preparing the delicious hot chocolate that will be served at this party. The drink is prepared in a clay pot and whisked with a wooden whisk, also a handcrafted item made by artisans from our beautiful state of Oaxaca.
Among the traditional drinks served at a baptism celebration is chocolate atole, a beverage made with atole and pinol. Pinol is made from corn, cacao, and cinnamon, and this mixture results in this pre-Hispanic delight that is still preserved today.
The chocolate is served, and it's time to enjoy this treat, as it's getting late and breakfast is needed. The party continues into the afternoon, and it's time to serve the main course: a rich mole colorado that the cook prepared today. People help pass around the plates of food, which is so comforting to see and makes my mouth water. It's not for nothing that this delicious dish will be offered to the guests at this grand celebration.
It's almost time to dance the guajolote, meaning that the godfather will soon receive his gifts, which are all the things we saw at the beginning of the video. These are the customs and traditions that are still preserved in this town, full of history, customs, and traditions, and above all, of... Warm and friendly people, if you like the video, share it, support us with a like, leave your comments and subscribe.