A year of mayordomo

Yesterday, I was invited to Casa Cruz in Teotitlan del Valle, the home of Fidel and Maria Luisa Cruz as they ended their year long commitment as mayordomos to the Virgin of Guadalupe.  It is a huge undertaking with many aspects and responsibilities, both religious and social.  Zapotec culture is complex and I don't know nearly enough to talk about it other than to say it was an honor to be there.

Last month all of the action was at Casa Cruz, but this time it was across the road at the house of the other mayordomo, Bulmaro Perez Mendoza.  However, I spent most of the afternoon at Casa Cruz where things were low-key, mostly eating, drinking, talking and helping the girls/young women get ready for the convite, the procession into the village.

Fidel is a master of natural dyes, one of the most knowledgeable in the village. 

And Maria Luisa is a Mendoza sister, famous around the world for their cooking.  She was so busy, she was in a blur.

Here's Abigail telling me to get it together and sit down with some tejate, which I got from one of her sisters.

 Which I gladly did.

The meal was caldo de oregano, a beef broth with chucks of meat.  No utensils, just tlayudas with which to eat it.  I've gotten used to eating this way and it was very tasty.

It is always so much fun taking photos of the convite participants getting ready. 

 It is so easy to get classic shots.

And what's a convite without Beatriz Ruiz?  It turns out they are cousins..

Each blouse is unique and beautiful

 Such a gorgeous look

 These two were about to head out for the long procession to the church.

Lots of these young ladies I've watched grown up and I look forward watching these two.

And of course, the danzantes were there.  We are watching them mature, too.  One more year to go for them.

And off they went.

 

Of course, the celebration continues for two more days..... How do they do it?