The Puebla site has never been systematically excavated, and archaeologists say it’s not clear what it is, but locals protect it anyway.
Stories by Joseph Sorrentino
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In this Zapotec pueblo, the art of weaving is a gift from the ancestors
In Teotitlán, Oaxaca, both the looms and the knowledge that the residents use to create colorful rugs are passed down through generations.
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Iztaccíhuatl’s peak promises gorgeous views, but first you must reach it
Joseph Sorrentino found out what he was really made of when he decided to do a guided hike up this challenging dormant volcano in Puebla.
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Is a Mexican late to meet you? You’re probably just confused
Joseph Sorrentino guides you with a sense of humor through the nuances of the nation’s obscure, flexible vocabulary around time.
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As war in their homeland rages, Mexico’s Ukrainians try to help from afar
Ukrainians here say they prefer to fundraise, protest and do anything they can rather than helplessly watch events unfold.
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Cholula’s Ancestral Alliance festival shares the knowledge of the elders
Seven different pre-Hispanic nations were represented at this Puebla event that aimed to offer authentic examples of indigenous traditions.
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Huejotzingo’s annual Carnival parade is many things all at once
Besides Catholic tradition, the Puebla town’s unique celebration includes indigenous rituals and a very loud, colorful nod to Mexican history.
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A question to Mexico’s bus station architects: have you ever been in one?
A photojournalist who frequently “travels heavy,” Joseph Sorrentino knows the pain of entering bus depots’ bathrooms with multiple bags.
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Cholula Talavera pottery artisans innovate by looking backward
The artisans at a Puebla workshop do something new with a 500-year-old Spanish colonial art form: giving them pre-Hispanic designs.
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After 80 years, historic Puebla city mini-neighborhood still an artists’ haven
The Barrio del Artista quarter, a haunt of creatives like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, remains a vibrant art community eight decades later.
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A Puebla town’s food fair gives visitors a taste of their indigenous ancestry
The San Pedro Yancuitlalpan event shared with the public traditional dishes passed down through generations of pre-Hispanic forebears.
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Though it’s not exactly profitable, CDMX organ grinders keep the faith
COVID’s effects on tourism and chilangos’ pockets make earning a living even harder, but tradition and family ties inspire them to carry on.
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Behind lucha libre’s comedy and theatrics lies generations of dedication
These Mexican wrestling matches are mostly fake, but the physicality — and the passion both luchadores and spectators feel for it — is real.
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Centuries later, Mexica still give annual thanks for the sun’s return
This annual winter solstice ceremony in San Gregorio Atlapulco, Xochimilco, connects participants with their ancient heritage and each other.
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CDMX’s zócalo Christmas activities get kids and adults into holiday spirit
Need a dose of Christmas cheer? In the capital, the holiday celebration in the zócalo has something to please both young and old.
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Chignahuapan makes 70mn holiday ornaments a year — one at a time
Artisans in this Puebla Magical Town have crafted intricately painted, hand-blown glass Christmas bulbs for 55 years.
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After a pandemic year off, Atlixco’s famed Christmas lights tour returns
Visitors from all over Mexico come here to stroll along the city’s zócalo, streets and homes adorned with countless holiday lights.
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Puebla town’s palm artisans struggle to keep unique art form alive
COVID-19’s effects on sales and a lack of younger weavers learning the craft mean an uncertain future for this Mixteca weaving tradition.
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Puebla’s Dia de Muertos parade this year harkens to holiday’s Mexica roots
A group of Pueblans decided that their celebration should acknowledge Day of the Dead’s start in the ancient Nahua feast of Miccailhuitontli.
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I spent half my life fearing death until I photographed Day of the Dead
How has this holiday changed your perspective? Día de Muertos gave Joseph Sorrentino a different framework from which to view mortality.
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As Day of the Dead approaches, so begins pan de muerto season
Bakers of the holiday bread use secret family recipes only meant for this time of year, creating over 900 versions of it across Mexico.
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Newest ecofriendly protein source in US is old news in Mexico
Grasshoppers—boiled, fried, stuffed into enchiladas—have been a cheap, plentiful, nutrition-dense food in the Mexican diet for centuries.
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Pioneering Mexican cider maker keeps the faith for nearly 100 years
A Frenchman taught Sidra San Francisco’s founder in 1927 to make the apple liquor. Four generations later, the mill still uses his techniques.
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Despite hard work and low incomes, Acapulco’s fishermen stay the course
Joseph Sorrentino interviews the men and women of Las Hamacas fishing cooperative, who embrace the difficult yet rewarding life on the sea.
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A crucial rule for everyday spending in Mexico: carry small bills
One key to a happy life in Mexico is learning the unspoken rules of when and when not to pull out that 500-peso bill for your purchase.
