Tepehua

Tepehua refers to a group of indigenous peoples of Mexico and their languages. The Tepehua are primarily located in the states of Hidalgo, Veracruz, and Puebla. Their traditional territory is situated in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Oriental. The Tepehua people are known for their rich cultural heritage, including distinctive forms of music, dance, and crafts. Historically, they have been involved in agriculture, cultivating crops such as maize, beans, and chili peppers.

The Tepehua language belongs to the Totonacan language family, though it is distinct from Totonac itself. There are several varieties of Tepehua, and mutual intelligibility can vary among them, leading some linguists to classify them as separate languages. Efforts are ongoing to preserve and promote the Tepehua language, which faces challenges from dominant languages like Spanish.

The social organization of Tepehua communities traditionally revolved around extended family structures and local governance. In contemporary times, Tepehua communities engage with both traditional practices and modern societal structures. Their cultural identity remains a significant aspect of their lives, reflected in their festivals, ceremonies, and artistic expressions. The Tepehua people are an integral part of Mexico's diverse indigenous landscape, contributing to the nation's cultural mosaic.