A traditional Zoque festival, as celebrated in the Zoque community of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, is a vibrant and spiritual event that reflects ancestral customs fused with Catholic religious elements. In these festivals, participants enjoy a variety of traditional foods, such as cacapote chocolate with bread, ponzoquí, cacao pozol with panela, rich sispolá, or a borcelana with huacasis caldú, all prepared according to the celebration. The "copita," known as "tectoc" by the Zoques and served in small gourd cups, is never missing, symbolizing fraternity and gratitude.
Music plays a central role, with the sounds of the drum and carrizo, along with jaranas, accompanying traditional dances filled with symbolism and spirituality. These dances are performed according to the festival calendar, including the Carnival or Napapoketzé, the Earth Dance or Nazetzé, and the dances of San Roque and San Miguel, among others.
Respect for sacred images and community authorities is fundamental. The festivals and ceremonies of the Zoques follow strict protocols of "cargos," where stewards, priostes, mayordomos, and masters of tradition organize the celebration with great responsibility, devotion, enthusiasm, and willingness.
The Zoques' outstanding decorations and offerings include ramilletes or joyyonaqués, somé with breads called Ponzoquís, and fruits offered on the altars.
During the festival, the Zoques perform the "costumbre" (a set of rituals that include offerings and prayers), which is essential to maintaining the connection with their ancestors, the land, and all that is sacred to them.
Although these characteristics are specific to the Zoques of Tuxtla, it is important to note that each Zoque region in Chiapas has its own variations. Celebrations in other areas, such as Copainalá, Tecpatán, or Tapalapa, share similar essence but incorporate unique elements adapted to their local customs, maintaining a rich cultural diversity within the Zoque people.
PHOTOS AND RESEARCH: Pepe Constantino
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Juan Ramón Álvarez Vázquez, a Zoque community member, and the entire Zoque community of Tuxtla Gutiérrez for their valuable contributions.
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