The ethnic groups of Hidalgo that stand out for their large population are 3: the Otomi, the Nahuas and the Tepehuas. The indigenous population of the state of Hidalgo has 363,517 people.
This figure was reflected in a census carried out by the Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) in 2010.
Their locations within Hidalgo are specifically: El Valle del Mesquital, where the Otomi live; the Huatesca, which is inhabited mainly by the Nahuas; and Sierra de Tenango, where many Otomí reside and there is a minority of Tepehuas.
According to censuses carried out by INEGI, the indigenous population of Hidalgo has undergone drastic changes in a matter of years. From 2000 to 2005 there was a population decline of almost 3%. From 2005 to 2010, it decreased by another 2%.
INEGI clarified that, from 2010 to 2015, there was a significant rise in the indigenous population. It is estimated that it was more than 12%.
The 3 main ethnic groups of Hidalgo
1- Nahuatl
According to the 2010 census, the Nahuatl culture has 245,153 inhabitants in Hidalgo territory. This implies that they are the ethnic group with the most people in that state.
This culture was born in central Mexico. It would be classified as a pre-Hispanic and Mesoamerican culture. They had, as a society, a strong economy, administration and arsenal, which prevailed until the Spanish conquest.
The arrival of the Spaniards supposed, as the main characteristic of the conquest, large exploitations in the human and material fields. This caused that the whole order of the culture was changed, and it was tried to dissipate.
However, today this culture is still preserved, with its language and traditions.
Today they are supported economically through agriculture. That, and the art of weaving, has made the Nahuas have a better quality of life.
2- Otomí
The members of this culture, who reside in Hidalgo soil, are 115,869. This would be the second largest ethnic group in the region.
Like the Nahuas, the Otomi originated in central Mexico. They belong to the Mesoamerican and pre-Columbian cultures.
They live from agricultural activities and, in their free time, they sell clothes typical of their culture.
Something that could also be the strength of this culture is its crafts. The highlight are the wool rugs, usually made by women.
The history of this culture has been analyzed and consulted very little, when touching Mesoamerican subjects.
It is said that it is because the study and approach of so many cultures that were in central Mexico at that time is very complex.
3- Tepehua
The Tepehuas represent a minority in the state of Hidalgo. This culture has only 1,818 people.
There is much speculation about the origin of this culture. It is said that it was born alongside the aforementioned cultures. In fact, it has a great affinity with the Nahuas and the Otomi.
Its economic livelihood is agriculture. They were also dedicated to felling trees; however, nowadays it is not a welcome practice. This means that fewer and fewer people dare to work in this field.
References
- Demography of the State of Hidalgo. Obtained from Wikipedia: es.wikipedia.org. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
- Diversity - Hidalgo. (2010). Recovered from INEGI: Cuentame.inegi.org.mx. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
- OTOMI. (April 12 2013). Extracted from Blogger -Otomi166: otomi166.blogspot.com. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
- Nahua. Obtained from the Mexican State: edomex.gob.mx. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
- THE TEPEHUAS. Recovered from Enlaza México: vinczamexico.com. Retrieved September 27, 2017.