Located in the north of the state of Veracruz and comprising municipalities such as Chicontepec, Ixhuatlán de Madero, Benito Juárez, Tlachichilco, Zontecomatlán, among others, this region forms part of the ancestral territory of the Náhuatl, Otomí, and Tepehua peoples. Its history dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when civilisations such as the Huastec flourished, followed later by the Nahuas. During the Spanish colonisation, many of its communities resisted external rule, preserving their language, customs, and traditions. Today, this region remains one of the main strongholds of Indigenous languages in Veracruz. 

The culture of Huasteca Alta is manifested in its language, traditional clothing, communal rituals, and especially in its traditional dances, which intertwine the religious and the spiritual. These are accompanied by traditional music performed by tríos huastecos, with violin, jarana, and quinta huapanguera, as well as songs in the Náhuatl language. The Xantolo festival (Indigenous Día de Muertos), celebrated from 31 October to 2 November, is the most important celebration in the region.