When you sit down to your turkey dinner tomorrow, you will be following in the footsteps of the original inhabitants of the valley of Oaxaca.
Guajolotes on the doorstep. San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Oaxaca
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of turkey domestication 1,500 years ago in the in the valley of Oaxaca’s Mitla Fortress. And, according to Gary Feinman, Field Museum curator of Mesoamerican anthropology, “It’s a bird very, very similar to what a lot of people are going to eat on Thursday.”
Guajolotes waiting for a ride, Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca.
Turkeys, or as they are commonly known in Oaxaca, guajolotes, continue to play a special role in many of Oaxaca’s indigenous communities. Turkey mole is prepared and served during religious festivals and weddings, among other special occasions. They are also given as gifts and the downy feathers under the wings are dyed and used to make penachos (headdresses) for the danzantes of the Danza de la Pluma.
So, to those in el norte, while you are enjoying your Thanksgiving turkey, give a little thanks to the Zapotecs of the valley of Oaxaca. ¡Buen provecho!
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
Hmmm… wonder if some lucky guajolote (from aztec nahautl) receives a pardon as in el norte ?
Happy thanksgiving !!
Hola Shanon,. We enjoy your blog and we appreciate the dedication it takes to keep it fresh and entertaining. Have a good time with family and friends in el Norte.
Saludos,
John and Donita
Great post. We had just read that article and I sent the link along with Thanksgiving wishes to several people. Your photos remind me of the ever present “gobble gobble” we hear in all the villages!
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