Maria Miguel Acevedo: The Matriarch of the Cruz Miguel Family
In the heart of the mountains of Oaxaca lies a home crafted from ancestral adobe, a structure that stands as both a testament to tradition and a sanctuary for those who visit. This is where I met Maria Miguel Acevedo, an extraordinary woman whose life embodies resilience, wisdom, and grace. At 85 years old, Maria is an indigenous Zapotec woman, a matriarch, and the living heartbeat of her family. Her story is one of love, strength, and cultural richness—a story I am honored to share as part of my new series, Mujer Hermosa, Eres Poderosa.
Every evening, Maria welcomed me into her home with a warmth that felt like an embrace. Freshly brewed coffee and homemade bread awaited me as if to say, “You are part of this home now.” She spent an entire day preparing “Mole de Guajolote,” a dish I later learned is reserved for only the most special occasions. Alongside her three daughters, Rosa, Pina and Juana, Maria dedicated herself to the intricate process, a labor of love and tradition. It was more than a meal; it was an act of generosity and a gesture of trust.
During my time with Maria, we spoke about her life, her family, and the deep connection she has to her land and heritage. She shared stories of her childhood, growing up in a household surrounded by her sisters, and the remarkable three-day treks she made with her father to the mercado in the city. With their donkey by their side, they would walk for hours, a journey that demanded both endurance and determination. These journeys were not just about trading goods; they were about sustaining their family and preserving their way of life.
We talked about love. Maria sat with my husband and me and reminded us to love each other deeply and to always respect one another. She shared her thoughts on health, mentioning how, with age, her knees now ache. Yet, staying on her land, caring for her crops, and tending to her donkey, Abril, keep her moving. We also talked about loss and resilience. Despite losing children and her beloved husband, Cayetano, Maria remains a beacon of positivity, inspiring those around her to face life’s adversities with grace and strength.
Maria’s conversations flowed like poetry, touching on everything from the joys and challenges of raising her children alongside her husband to the importance of respecting and caring for the earth. Her love for nature was palpable, as was her commitment to passing down these values to the next generation. Patiently, she taught me a few words in Zapoteco, laughing gently at my repeated mispronunciations and encouraging me to try again.
There was a word Maria often repeated during my visits: “recibe”—Spanish for “receive.” With every gesture, she embodied this sentiment. Whether it was through her hospitality, her stories, or her guidance, she gave freely and fully, inviting me to accept her gifts with an open heart.
Maria Miguel Acevedo is more than a matriarch; she is a bridge between the past and the present, a keeper of traditions, and a beacon of strength for her family and community. She is a reminder of the beauty and power inherent in every woman, especially those who carry the weight of their culture and family with unwavering dignity.
Maria Miguel Acevedo—Mujer Hermosa, Eres Poderosa.
Maria Miguel Acevedo—Mujer Hermosa, Eres Poderosa.
Maria in front of her adobe home
The original adobe home where Maria and her husband, Cayetano, spent most of their life together. This was the heart of the property, where they raised their children—Juana, Flavio, David, Pina, Flora, and Rosa—building a life filled with love, resilience, and tradition. A testament to humble beginnings and the strength of family.
Cayetano
A timeless portrait of Cayetano hangs in Maria's bedroom, a tribute to a man remembered as a devoted husband and loving father. Maria fondly describes her late husband as a gentle soul, while their son Flavio recalls never hearing him raise his voice or argue with his wife. His legacy of kindness and unwavering harmony continues to inspire his family.
"Cazuelas en la Pared"
With time and immense dedication, Maria and Cayetano constructed a second adobe building. This space, now their kitchen, is where they store their stove and appliances. The cazuelas hanging on the wall hold deep cultural significance in Mexican households. They symbolize tradition, hospitality, and the central role of food in family life. Often passed down through generations, these pots represent the stories, meals, and shared moments that define a home.
Mole Oaxaqueño
Maria and her daughters, Rosa, Pina and Juana, are carefully blending the ingredients for Mole Oaxaqueño. This traditional dish combines rich flavors from toasted chilis such as guajillo, ancho, and pasilla, alongside the sweetness of Mexican chocolate. Additional ingredients like sesame seeds, almonds, garlic, and spices are ground together to create the thick, flavorful sauce. The air in the kitchen is filled with the deep, smoky aroma of roasted chilis and the earthy fragrance of freshly ground spices, showcasing the complexity and depth of this iconic Oaxacan dish.
Indoor "Fogón"
Maria’s secondary kitchen features an indoor fogón, a traditional wood-burning stove made from clay and bricks. The fogón fills the room with a rustic, smoky atmosphere as wood crackles in the fire below. The air is rich with the aroma of burning wood, and every dish cooked here absorbs a unique smoky flavor that is nearly impossible to replicate in modern kitchens. This simple yet essential cooking method enhances the depth of traditional Oaxacan recipes, creating meals that are as authentic as the land they come from. The kitchen, with its sooty walls and earthy charm, is a space where tradition and flavor come together in every dish.
"Manos"
Maria’s hands, captured up close, are a poignant reflection of her life’s work and heart. "Las manos son la extensión del corazón, abrelas para dar y recibir," she once said, embodying the essence of generosity and love. Her hands, marked by years of labor and care, have cooked, nurtured, and provided for her family. As she often repeated the word “recibe” — “receive” — she reminded me of the profound exchange that hands enable: the giving of love and the acceptance of it. These hands, steady and strong, hold the wisdom of a lifetime and the warmth of a heart that knows no bounds.
