Spaniards in Tlacochahuaya (English)

 The Spaniards in Tlacochahuaya

The arrival of The Spaniards marks the born of what was formely known as New Spain, and later came to be known as Mexico. A Mexico, that is no longer entirely indigenous, neither entirely Spanish. Now, is a syncretism, in every aspect, and that may be the reason it has become such an interesting subject of study. Its nostalgic hold to the Pre Hispanic traditions, but now coated with the religiosity of the Spaniards. This feature, covers many aspects: Gastronomy, Music, Clothing, and Languages.

It’s surprising that despite the centuries, many Native Languages, are still alive, because they shared space with Spanish, and even though , the presence of the latter was strong, was not enough to eradicate them. This coexistence, happened in different degrees and schemes, either for geographic or political reasons.

 

Tlacochahuaya experienced an influx of Spaniards, because of these factors:

GEOGRAPHIC: It’s seated on a very fertile valley, with enough land and water to have abundant crops of different fruits, vegetables and grains throughout the year. It was originally entrusted to Gaspar de Calderon, so in the early years of the Colony, people from Tlacochahuaya was knows as: The ones of Calderón.

 

 

POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS: Despite the fact that The Convent of Teitipac was accepted earlier by the Dominican Order (in 1555), when Tlacochahuaya was accepted as Convent in 1578, it was designated a Parish and the Main Chaplain was Juan de Córdova, an influential Spanish Monk, and by influential, we make reference to his posts: Provincial Minister of the whole Order and Attorney General before the Spanish Crown.

 

We are assuming his influence was very strong, since this town gets something that many towns did not: A Coat of Arms and a Tax Exemption to have money to build their Church and Convent.

 

 

 

1529 marks a very tragic year for the Zapotec Nation. And the presence of the Spaniards seems to be the central issue.

Baloo, the main Lord of Tlacochahuaya, wanted to consolidate the importance of his town, and for that, he arranges the marriage of his daughter princess Guielachi, with no less than the Son of Cosijoeza, Ñatipaa. The wedding takes place in Tlacochahuaya, and the guests include Spaniards, and this was not seen as a positive gesture, so while at the party, things got heated up and a violent fight erupts, and unfortunately the toll includes the very life of the groom.

This favors the Spaniards, because now is just a matter of time and political moves to consolidate their power and presence in this Valley.

Being Language the matter of our writings, in our next delivery, we will try to analyze the implications of all this events, to the Zapotec Language and To Spanish as well.