The Tarahumara People of Mexico: From Running Scared to Running Free Katey Hearth - MNN
go to original June 23, 2015

In northwest Mexico, the Tarahumara Indians, have lived for centuries. (Planet Doc)

Understanding the Tarahumara’s past gives insight to the group’s reclusive tendencies and worldview. Enslaved by Spaniards in the 1600s, the Tarahumara have been fighting to avoid northern Mexico’s mainline populace ever since.

Missionary outreach to the tribe also began in the 1600’s; according to the Manataka American Indian Council, the Tarahumara’s worldview is a mix of animism and Roman Catholic Christianity.

PIONEERS’ Andres Herrera Vazquez says the Tarahumara believe God created them, and the devil created everyone else.

As a result, “They [the Tarahumara] are the ones who feed God, who keep Him alive and strong through their animal sacrifices and their dancing, and their running as well,” Vazquez explains.

Tarahumara lore claims the devil challenged God to a race between both creations. The results left the Tarahumara people poor, with the need to run for the rest of their days.

Read the rest at MNN

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!