Yesterday was tequio day here in San Pablo Etla. I went on an early afternoon walk and the roads were filled with people cleaning the neighborhood. What is tequio? According to Wikipedia: "the task or collective work that each person owes to their indigenous community is known as tequio.
Since it is done for the benefit of the community itself, it is not
paid work."And folks were out in force, working hard. I walked several kms and saw many different groups. Not only do the neighborhoods get cleaned, but it's also social occasion with people having a good time, very Oaxacan. Shared work and shared happiness, so typical to the indigenous communities here. And yes, I did my part and cleaned the sides of the road near the house, too.




And the smiles — maybe the thing I miss the most
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