Mazahua People

The Mazahua people, an Indigenous group native to Mexico, primarily reside in the northwestern regions of the State of Mexico, with some presence in Michoacán and Querétaro. San Felipe del Progreso and San José del Rincón have the largest Mazahua populations, and migration has also led to Mazahua communities in Mexico City, Toluca, and Guadalajara. Approximately 116,240 Mazahua language speakers live in the State of Mexico, representing about 53% of the Indigenous language speakers in the state, according to the 2010 census.

Culture and Traditions

The Mazahua maintain distinct cultural practices, particularly seen in women's traditional dress, which includes a layered skirt known as the *chincuete*, as well as embroidered sashes and crescent earrings made from silver. Each clothing element holds symbolic significance, with intricate designs that express values, stories, and spiritual beliefs.

Mazahua rituals blend Catholicism with Indigenous beliefs, with key celebrations like the Day of the Dead, the Feast of the Cross, and the spring New Fire ceremony. Another unique ceremony, the *Xita Corpus*, honors ancient travelers and calls for abundant rains.

Language

Mazahua people refer to themselves as *Tetjo ñaa jñatjo*, meaning "those who speak their own language." Part of the Oto-Pamean language family, Mazahua is related to Otomi and other regional languages. Despite preservation efforts, fewer Mazahua children speak it as their first language, partly due to migration and integration into broader Spanish-speaking society.