Entre territorios y tradiciones: migración e identidad de los pobladores indígenas de Pahuatlán, Puebla

Between territories and traditions: Migration and identity of the indigenous inhabitants of Pahuatlan, Puebla

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the processes of the migratory phenomenon, as well as the practices of strengthening cultural identity among the indigenous inhabitants of the Municipality of Pahuatlán, Puebla. Methodology: Ethnographic research was conducted through semi-structured interviews, informal direct talks with family members and migrants from the communities of San Pablito and Xolotla. Results: The networks built by the indigenous migrants of the region have contributed to establish communities in different cities of the country and abroad; likewise, several traditional practices were found that migrants replicate or support inside and outside their communities, which directly impacts the strengthening of the cultural identity of the migrant settlers. Limitations: Within the methodology there were some interviews that were conducted in video calls with different applications, where the connectivity (signal) was not very good and at certain times the calls were cut off, which complicated the collection of information. Conclusions: The cultural expressions that migrants reproduce outside their communities support the strengthening of cultural identity and rootedness to their territory; likewise, when migrants return to their communities, they obtain social recognition among the population and can position themselves in different spaces of power and decision making within their communities.