Chocolate is an important part of Zapotec life as it is in much of Oaxaca. I remember when oaxaqueños would visit me in Boston, they would always present me with mezcal, tlayudas and chocolate. So it is a part of formal rituals and presentations.... plus it tastes real good. Oaxacan chocolate is different, more grainy and flavored differently, but still every bit as delicious as anywhere.
And as they say, "there ain't nothin' like the real thing." This post should be in Smellovision because the fragrance permeating the courtyard as these women ground the chocolate on matates was unbelieveable.
It becomes a super fine paste and then it is mixed with water and frothed.
All of this work is really hard. It takes strength and stamina.
As it is beaten, the foam or espuma is taken off and then served.
Here is the chocolate with atole and some tlayudas. Atole is a traditional masa based drink that comes in many forms. This was sweet, but not too sweet.
Here is the formal presentation to Sergio and Virginia by the padrino.
The happy couple.... must be the chocolate.
Each couple receives a chest, the baul, and an armoire, both of which are filled with bread and chocolate. Each person at the fiesta receives some bread and a beautiful piece of chocolate to take home.
Mmmmmm....this was my breakfast yesterday.
4 comments:
What wonderful shots and how well they represent the village . It is indeed a very unique part of our planet. Makes me want to be there. And I can taste and smell the chocolate!
My favorite part of these photos is the community gathering to make the food and drink for the wedding. It looks like a lot of work but they all look so happy doing it. I love how they are facing each other as they work with their metates. There is a lot to learn from this.
Joan
Beautiful images Chris. Nice talking to you.
Conozco los sabores y se lo que estas disfrutando Chris, mmmmm....delicioso ! Sandra
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