Tag Archives: alicia flores

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Five Films About Pilgrimages & Journeys

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By Alicia Flores—-

1. The Straight Story (1999)
Directed by David Lynch
Based on a true story, this quietly powerful film follows Alvin Straight, an elderly man who travels across the Midwest on a riding lawnmower to reconcile with his estranged brother. Slow, tender, and deeply human, it’s a pilgrimage measured not in miles but in resolve, humility, and love.

2. The Way (2010)
Directed by Emilio Estevez
After the death of his son, an American father (Martin Sheen) walks the Camino de Santiago to honor him. Along the way, grief softens into connection as fellow pilgrims join the path. A modern classic about loss, healing, and the unexpected community that forms on the road.

3. Into the Wild (2007)
Directed by Sean Penn
Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, this film follows a young man who abandons conventional life to travel across North America in search of meaning. His journey raises timeless questions about freedom, solitude, and what it means to truly belong.

4. Wild (2014)
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée
Reese Witherspoon stars as a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone after personal tragedy. Physical endurance mirrors emotional reckoning in this raw and honest portrayal of a journey undertaken not for adventure, but survival.

5. Tracks (2013)
Directed by John Curran
Inspired by Robyn Davidson’s memoir, Tracks follows a solo trek across 1,700 miles of Australian desert with only camels and a dog for company. The film explores solitude, resilience, and the pull of landscapes that transform those who cross them.

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Dry Law, Elections, and a First for Oaxaca

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By Alicia Flores—-

From time to time, life in Oaxaca pauses in small but noticeable ways. One of the most familiar signs is the ley seca — the temporary  suspension of alcohol sales — which often accompanies elections and official civic consultations across Mexico. For residents and visitors alike, it can raise a simple question: what exactly is being voted on?

Recently, Oaxaca held its first-ever revocación de mandato, a recall-style public consultation that asked voters whether the current governor, Salomón Jara Cruz, should continue in office. Unlike a general election, this process does not involve choosing new candidates or parties. Instead, it offers citizens an opportunity to express their approval or dissatisfaction with a sitting official midway through their term.

The consultation was organized across a state known for its political and cultural complexity. Oaxaca has more municipalities than any other state in Mexico — over 570 — many governed by distinct local systems and traditions. Coordinating any statewide vote here is no small task, and the results often reflect the diversity of voices rather than a single, unified opinion.

As is customary during electoral processes, a ley seca was put in place to help ensure public order. While the restriction can feel abrupt, it is a long-established part of Mexico’s electoral framework and applies regardless of whether the vote involves local offices, national elections, or civic consultations like this one.

In the end, while a majority of participating voters supported the governor remaining in office, overall turnout did not reach the threshold required for the result to be legally binding. As a result, the consultation did not trigger any immediate change in government.

Even so, first-time processes matter. They set precedents, reveal political undercurrents, and invite broader participation in public life. In a state as varied and decentralized as Oaxaca, the significance of such moments often lies not in dramatic outcomes, but in the signals they send — and the conversations they begin.

Huatulco

Bring Your Own Bottle: A Small Choice with a Big Impact

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By Alicia Flores

When you come to Mexico on vacation, one of the easiest and most meaningful ways you can reduce your environmental impact is by bringing your own reusable water bottle. It may seem like a small gesture, but it can make a big difference.

Across Mexico’s coastlines, discarded single-use plastic bottles are one of the most common forms of litter. Many travelers, trying to stay hydrated, accept dozens of small water bottles throughout their stay—on excursions, in hotel rooms, and at restaurants. Unfortunately, most of these bottles end up in landfills or, worse, in the ocean.

By bringing your own bottle, you can help shift this pattern. Most restaurants, cafés, and hotels are happy to refill your bottle with purified drinking water if you simply ask. In fact, many properties now have refill stations or large garrafones (19-liter jugs) available for guests.If you’re staying at a large resort, do your part by politely declining small plastic bottles whenever possible. Instead, ask where you can refill your own. The more guests who make this simple request, the more hotels will prioritize refill options in the future.

Traveling responsibly doesn’t mean giving up comfort—it means being thoughtful about the small daily choices that add up. Bringing your own bottle is a simple way to stay hydrated, save money, and help protect the beautiful landscapes you came to enjoy.

Bottled water waste: The average traveler staying one week at an all-inclusive resort can easily go through 30–40 small plastic bottles of water. Multiply that by hundreds of guests, and a single hotel can generate thousands of bottles per week.

Global picture: An estimated 1 million plastic bottles are sold every minute worldwide, and less than 30% are recycled.

Ocean impact: Every year, 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean—much of it from disposable food and drink packaging.

Refillable wins: A single reusable bottle can replace hundreds of disposables each year.

Travel Tip: If you plan to order takeout or eat on the beach, consider packing a reusable food container (a simple Tupperware works perfectly). Many local restaurants will happily pack your meal into your own container if you ask—it reduces waste and keeps your food fresher on the go.

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5 Kinds of Tacos—and When to Eat Them

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By Alicia Flores

Mexico’s national dish is so versatile it can be eaten at any time of the day, in any part of the country. But not all tacos are alike, and each type comes with its own history, flavor, and best moment to enjoy. Here are five essential styles of tacos and when to savor them.

1. Tacos de Guisado
These “stew tacos” are filled with home-style dishes like tinga de pollo (shredded chicken in chipotle sauce), rajas con crema (poblano peppers in cream), or chicharrón in salsa verde. Because they’re hearty and comforting, tacos de guisado are a favorite midday meal, especially around lunchtime when you want something filling.

2. Tacos de Canasta
Also called “basket tacos,” these are pre-made, wrapped in cloth, and steamed in a basket to keep warm. Typically filled with beans, potatoes, or adobo-style meats, tacos de canasta are cheap, portable, and sold by vendors on bicycles or street corners. They’re a classic choice for breakfast or a quick snack on the go—perfect for commuters rushing to work or students between classes.

3. Fish Tacos
Born in Baja California and now beloved across Mexico, fish tacos are typically made with battered, fried fish topped with shredded cabbage, salsa, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. These light yet flavorful tacos shine at lunchtime, especially by the beach with a cold beer. They embody Mexico’s coastal bounty and are a must for seafood lovers.

4. Tacos al Pastor
Perhaps the most famous taco of all, al pastor traces its roots to Lebanese immigrants who introduced the vertical spit-roasted method to Mexico. Marinated pork is shaved from the trompo, tucked into a tortilla, and topped with onion, cilantro, and pineapple. These tacos are best enjoyed late at night, when taco stands fire up after dark and the streets fill with hungry crowds looking for a midnight bite.

5. Barbacoa Tacos
Traditionally cooked underground with maguey leaves, barbacoa is slow-roasted lamb or beef that becomes tender, smoky, and juicy. Served on weekends, barbacoa tacos are a beloved Sunday breakfast, often paired with a warm consommé made from the drippings of the meat. It’s the ultimate comfort food for family gatherings or to recover after a late Saturday night.

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Guelaguetza 2025: A Dance of Generosity and Identity

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By Alicia Flores

Every July, the city of Oaxaca bursts into celebration. This year, the famous Lunes del Cerro—known as the Guelaguetza—will take place on July 21 and July 28, 2025, in the iconic amphitheater atop Cerro del Fortín. It’s more than a festival—it’s a kaleidoscope of music, dance, tradition, and the spirit of community drawn from Oaxaca’s eight distinct cultural regions.

The Guelaguetza has ancient roots in Zapotec rituals, originally honoring Centéotl, the goddess of corn, in ceremonies that asked for rain and bountiful harvests. With the arrival of the Spanish, these traditions merged with Catholic celebrations of the Virgin of Carmen, whose feast day is July 16. By the 1930s—after a devastating earthquake and the founding of modern Oaxaca City—the festival evolved into a cultural event. It was first called the “Homenaje Racial” in 1932 and has since become a joyful, theatrical, and deeply symbolic showcase of Oaxacan identity.

Five Must-See Dances
1. Danza de la Pluma (Central Valleys)
Perhaps the most iconic of all, this feathered dance dramatizes the Spanish conquest from an Indigenous perspective. It’s elaborate, reflective, and filled with historical symbolism—often closing the show with a sense of pride and endurance.

2. Flor de Piña (Papaloapan Region – Tuxtepec)
Choreographed in 1958 by Paulina Solís, this dance features dozens of women in bright huipiles carrying pineapples on their shoulders. With precise footwork and elegant movements, they offer their piñas to the audience as a gesture of reciprocity and community.

3. Jarabe Mixteco (Mixteca Region)
Set to the nostalgic tones of “La Canción Mixteca,” this dance is both joyful and emotional. It pays tribute to the resilience of the Mixtec people, many of whom live between migration and home, heartache and pride.

4. Sones y Chilenas (Oaxacan Coast – Pinotepa Nacional) Flirtatious, fiery, and full of rhythm, this coastal dance combines energetic footwork, playful handkerchiefs, and cheeky lyrics. It’s the Oaxacan party spirit in motion—sun-soaked and bold.

5. Danza de los Jardines (Sierra Norte/Sierra Sur)
This lesser-known piece enchants with its sweetness. Young girls dressed as flowers and plants dance in gentle patterns that represent the lush fertility of Oaxaca’s forests and gardens.

So if you find yourself in Oaxaca this July, bring your open heart, your curiosity, and maybe a good sunhat. You’ll leave with more than memories—you’ll leave with a little bit of every region tucked into your soul. Because the Guelaguetza is not just a festival; it’s a living, breathing act of cultural generosity. It reminds us that identity isn’t about isolation or hierarchy—it’s about exchange. Every embroidered huipil, every burst of brass and marimba, every shared fruit or dance step is a message: we are different, and we are connected. That’s the beauty of Oaxaca.

Huatulco

Orizaba: A Mountain Jewel in Veracruz

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By Alicia Flores

Nestled in the heart of the mountains between Puebla and Veracruz lies Orizaba, a city that many travelers still overlook—but shouldn’t. With its colonial architecture, cool climate, and surrounding natural beauty, Orizaba offers a unique mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure that feels both surprising and welcoming.

The first thing you notice when you arrive in Orizaba is how green everything is. The city sits in a valley below the towering Pico de Orizaba—the tallest mountain in Mexico and the third-highest in North America. Known in Nahuatl as Citlaltépetl, or “Star Mountain,” this dormant volcano dominates the horizon and adds a quiet majesty to the landscape. Even if you’re not planning to climb it (which takes serious mountaineering experience), just knowing it’s there changes the way you see the place. The mountain is more than a backdrop—it feels like a guardian.

The city itself is small but full of charm. The historical center is easy to explore on foot, with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, wide plazas, and iron-laced balconies that speak of a prosperous past. One of the best ways to start your visit is with the Teleférico de Orizaba—a cable car that glides from the city center up to Cerro del Borrego. The views are breathtaking, and once at the top, you can explore walking trails or visit the museum that explains the mountain’s role during the French Intervention in the 19th century.

Back in town, Orizaba is proud of its art and culture. The Palacio de Hierro (Iron Palace) is a standout building designed by Gustave Eiffel—the same engineer who gave Paris its famous tower. This unique structure houses several small museums, including one dedicated to Mexican beer and another with a collection of masks from around the country. It’s also a great spot to learn more about the local history, including the city’s importance during the Porfirio Díaz era.

One of my favorite things to do in Orizaba is walk along the Río Orizaba. The river cuts through the town and is lined with walking paths, murals, and even small animal enclosures that serve as a sort of open-air zoo. It’s a peaceful place for a morning stroll or afternoon break, and the cool mountain air makes it feel refreshing even during the warmer months.

For more history and dining options, visit the Poliforum Mier y Pesado, or Iron Palace, an early 20th-century orphanage, then a school, then a retirement center, built in the French style. It has wonderful ironwork, beautiful gardens, and hosts cultural events. There are a couple of museums, one of which, the Museo del Traje, showcases traditional clothing. The restaurants lean to the upscale, but there are a couple of less expensive cafes. The Poliforum is located on Oriente 6, 1653, a couple of kilometers east of the historic center.

Food in Orizaba is hearty and delicious, shaped by the surrounding regions and the city’s own traditions. Expect tamales wrapped in banana leaves, chiles rellenos in local-style sauces, and sweet treats like jamoncillo (a kind of milk fudge) and toritos—a strong local liqueur made from fruit and sugarcane alcohol. Markets and casual restaurants offer some of the best flavors, but you’ll also find a growing number of cafés and bakeries run by young entrepreneurs bringing fresh energy into the culinary scene.

Because of its location, Orizaba makes a great base if you want to explore more of central Veracruz. Nearby towns like Córdoba or the coffee-growing region of Huatusco are perfect for day trips. But even if you don’t leave the city, Orizaba offers enough beauty and history to keep you happily occupied.

There’s something grounded and genuine about Orizaba. It’s not polished like a resort town, and it’s not trying to be something it’s not. The people are warm, the pace is relaxed, and the air smells faintly of pine and distant rain. It’s a place that doesn’t shout to be seen, but rather invites you to slow down and notice.

If you find yourself looking for a lesser-known part of Mexico to explore—one that blends mountains, culture, and heart—Orizaba might just be your next favorite stop.

Huatulco

From Cornwall to Mexico: The Story of Pastes and Mining Migration

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By Alicia Flores

The humble pasty, a traditional food from Cornwall, crossed the Atlantic in the 19th century, bringing with it a history of migration, industry, and cultural fusion. Today, in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, this once-foreign dish has become a beloved local specialty known as paste, a symbol of the legacy left by the Cornish miners who came in search of new opportunities in Mexico’s silver mines.

The Cornish Migration to Mexico
In the early 19th century, Cornwall was facing economic hardship. The collapse of the tin and copper mining industries left many miners without work, forcing them to seek opportunities elsewhere. Skilled in deep mining techniques, Cornish workers were highly sought after across the world, from Australia to South America. When British investors began developing silver mines in Mexico, they recruited these experienced miners, offering them the promise of steady wages and a better life. For many, migrating to Mexico was not just a necessity but also a chance to build a new future for their families.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Mexico’s mining industry was struggling due to outdated methods. After gaining independence in 1821, the new government looked for international experts to help modernize the mines, especially in the state of Hidalgo. British investors saw an opportunity and brought highly skilled miners from Cornwall, who settled in Real del Monte (Mineral del Monte) and Pachuca.

Between the 1820s and 1840s, hundreds of Cornish miners arrived in Mexico, bringing with them advanced mining techniques and a strong work ethic. Their impact on Mexico’s silver industry was immense, as they modernized extraction methods and significantly increased production. While some miners eventually returned home, many stayed, started families, and left a cultural mark that is still visible today.

The Birth of the Paste
With migration comes the exchange of traditions, and the Cornish pasty was no exception. Originally designed as a practical, filling meal for miners, the pasty had a thick, crimped crust that served as a handle, allowing miners to eat without contaminating their food with the toxic minerals on their hands.In Mexico, the pasty evolved to suit local ingredients and flavors, becoming what is now known as the paste. While the original fillings included beef, potatoes, and onions, over time, Mexican flavors such as black beans, tinga (spiced shredded chicken), and even mole were incorporated. The idea remained the same—a nourishing, portable meal—but with a local twist.

Pastes Today: A Mexican Culinary Tradition
Over the years, pastes have become a true symbol of Hidalgo’s gastronomy. Every year, the town of Real del Monte celebrates the Festival del Paste, where visitors can try both traditional recipes and creative new flavors. Today, bakeries throughout the region have perfected the art of making pastes, offering a wide variety of options, from the classic meat and potato to sweet and savory combinations with Mexican ingredients like pineapple, rajas con queso (chili strips with cheese), and chorizo.

A Legacy of Cultural Exchange
The migration of Cornish miners to Mexico brought more than just technological advances to the mining industry—it also sparked an exchange of traditions and flavors. While the mining sector evolved over time, pastes remained as a culinary bridge between two cultures.Today, the story of pastes reminds us how migration shapes our food and how a simple meal created for hardworking miners became an essential part of Mexican cuisine. Whether enjoyed in Cornwall or Hidalgo, pastes continue to tell the story of those who brought them across the ocean.

Huatulco

Oaxacan Women Who Shaped History

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By Alicia Flores

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the achievements and contributions of women across the world. Oaxaca, a region rich in culture and tradition, has been home to many extraordinary women who have left lasting impacts in politics, art, activism, and indigenous heritage. Here, we highlight a few remarkable Oaxacan women who have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations.

María Sabina: The Shaman Who Brought Oaxacan Mysticism to the World
María Sabina, a Mazatec healer from the Sierra Mazateca region, became known internationally for her sacred mushroom ceremonies. Born in 1894, she used psilocybin mushrooms in spiritual and healing rituals, a practice rooted in centuries-old indigenous traditions. In the 1950s, outsiders seeking psychedelic experiences sought her out, catapulting her into global recognition. While her work was often misunderstood by the Western world, María Sabina remains a powerful symbol of indigenous wisdom and spiritual healing.
Read more from our previous article:

Maria Sabina and Magic Mushrooms

 

Lila Downs: The Voice of Oaxacan Heritage
Grammy-winning singer and activist Lila Downs has used her music to celebrate Oaxacan culture and advocate for social justice. Born to a Mixtec mother and Scottish-American father, Downs has blended traditional indigenous sounds with contemporary influences, bringing Oaxacan identity to a global stage. Her music often highlights themes of migration, indigenous rights, and female empowerment, making her a cultural ambassador for Oaxaca and beyond.

Beyond her musical career, Downs is also known for her activism. She has been a vocal advocate for the rights of indigenous and marginalized communities, using her platform to bring awareness to issues such as poverty, racism, and gender inequality. Her lyrics, often infused with historical and political narratives, serve as a bridge between past and present, urging audiences to reflect on social injustices. Through her powerful performances, distinctive style, and dedication to her roots, Downs continues to be a beacon of cultural pride and resistance. She has also collaborated with various artists across genres, ensuring that Oaxacan and Mexican traditions remain relevant in contemporary music.

Eufrosina Cruz: A Trailblazer for Indigenous Women in Politics
Eufrosina Cruz grew up in a Zapotec community where women were traditionally excluded from political participation. In 2007, she made headlines when her election as municipal president was annulled simply because she was a woman. This injustice fueled her determination to fight for gender equality and indigenous women’s rights. She later became the first indigenous woman to preside over the Oaxacan Congress and has been instrumental in pushing for legal reforms that empower women in indigenous communities.

Her advocacy has led to groundbreaking changes, including legal amendments ensuring women’s political participation in indigenous communities where traditional customs had long barred them from leadership roles. Cruz has traveled internationally to speak about gender equality, sharing her journey from a marginalized rural community to becoming a symbol of empowerment. Her work extends beyond politics; she has been involved in educational programs aimed at fostering leadership skills among young indigenous women. By challenging deeply rooted patriarchal structures, Cruz has opened doors for future generations of women to take on roles of influence in both government and society.

Natalia Toledo: Poet and Guardian of the Zapotec Language
Natalia Toledo, a poet and writer, has dedicated her career to preserving the Zapotec language through literature. As the daughter of the legendary Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo, she inherited a deep appreciation for indigenous culture. Her poetry, written in both Zapotec and Spanish, explores themes of identity, nature, and tradition, ensuring that the beauty of her ancestral language continues to thrive in modern literature. One of her most well-known works, Guie’ yaase’ (Olivo negro, Black Olive), is a bilingual poetry collection that captures the essence of Zapotec traditions and worldview. Readers interested in her work can also explore The Black Flower and Other Zapotec Poems (tr. Clare Sullivan, 2015),, which offers a glimpse into her lyrical and evocative storytelling, bringing the richness of Zapotec language to a broader audience.

The stories of these Oaxacan women demonstrate resilience, creativity, and the power to challenge societal norms. Whether through music, politics, poetry, or spiritual traditions, they have each left an indelible mark on history. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, may their legacies continue to inspire future generations to embrace their heritage and push for positive change.