Located in the southeast of Veracruz, the region of Los Tuxtlas includes municipalities such as Santiago Tuxtla, San Andrés Tuxtla, Catemaco and Hueyapan de Ocampo. Its geography, where tropical rainforest, rivers, lagoons and ancient volcanoes converge, has provided the setting for the development of a profound Indigenous and mestizo identity.

Los Tuxtlas were once the territory of the Olmec civilisation, one of the oldest in Mesoamerica, whose remains —such as the colossal heads— are still preserved. Over time, the region has also been influenced by Popoluca and Nahua peoples.

Traditional dance is a central element of its cultural identity. Standout expressions include the danza de los negritos, with African, Indigenous and Spanish influences; as well as the danza de los viejos and the danza del torito, accompanied by marimba and jarana music. Major celebrations include the Festival de Brujos in Catemaco, a nationally renowned event that blends folk healing, rituals and ancestral beliefs, and Feria del Maíz in Santiago Tuxtla, which honours the region’s agricultural roots.

Its gastronomy reflects the local biodiversity, with dishes such as grilled pejelagarto, tamales de chipilín, tlatoniles, and traditional beverages like pineapple tepache. In addition, the mountainous area produces high-altitude coffee renowned for its quality.