User:Crowsarecool/Caxcan

Tlachialoyantepec
Tlachialoyantepec (also known as El Cerro de las Ventanas) is a mountain located in El Remolino, Juchipila, Zacatecas. The Caxcan consider the mountain to be a sacred site. The traditional Xuchitl dance takes place on the mountain. It is the final resting place for Caxcans. The mountain is important to the family economy and traditional commerce. Some Caxcans pick fruits from the mountain and sell them in local towns.

Tlachialoyantepec and INAH
The Mexican Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) is an institution run by the Mexican state that describes itself as an organization that is in charge of the physical integrity of sacred spaces. It is currently responsible for 29,000 archaeological zones. Only 150 of these zones are open to the public. Tlachialoyantepec is one such archaeological zone and has been closed to the public and the Caxcan since 2021. The Xuchitl dance historically takes place on the mountain but INAH has barred access for the dance since 2003. Without consulting the Caxcan, INAH has plans to make Tlachialoyantepec into a tourist attraction.

Caxcans effort to regain legal access to Tlachialoyantepec
The Caxcan land defender Maria del Refugio Rodriguez says INAH’s tourist project would negatively impact the Caxcans spiritual and cultural beliefs. She states that the access to and care for Tlachialoyantepec directly relates to the well-being of those that are buried there and the Caxcan community at large. She specifically cites the deep connection between the Caxcan and the mountain as to why the tourist project would have a great impact on the Caxcan. There is an effort underway for the Caxcan to regain legal access to Tlachialoyantepec.

Notable People with Caxcan Ancestry
Maria del Refugio Rodriguez, land defender

Dr. Daisy Ocampo, professor and historian

Juana Belén Gutiérrez de Mendoza, journalist, feminist, professor, and activist