Wishing all of you happy holidays and a year filled with goodness and health - maybe even a trip to Oaxaca - from the staff of the Oaxaca Hotel Group, Oaxaca Tours and Zapotec Tours.

In this issue, as promised, we bring you up to date on the Burger / Tamale War and we introduce the towns of Tlacochahuaya and Zaachila. We have an article on the changes, as well as the continuity in Oaxacan music. And lastly, a report on the very unusual town of Juchitán in the Isthmus of Oaxaca.

in this issue
	• Governor calls for compromise in the "Burger / Tamale" War • Tlacochahuaya: Little Town That's Big on Flavor • Oaxaca Changes its Tune • The Most Important Zapotec City of the 14th Century • Juchitán: Where Time Seems to Walk on High Heels

Tlacochahuaya: Little Town That's Big on Flavor

True, the name is hard to pronounce, difficult to memorize, and stressful to spell, but Tlacochahuaya may well turn out to be the kind of spot you want to visit in Oaxaca. Find out more...

Oaxaca Changes its Tune

A major change in Oaxaca's musical style came about with the arrival of military bands at the end of the eighteenth century. Oaxacans lapped up big brass horns, trumpets and drums giving Oaxacan band music its own distinctive flavor. Now a new generation of Oaxacans is giving traditional music yet another twist twist. Full Story....

The Most Important Zapotec City of the 14th Century

Compared to other archaeological sites in Oaxaca, Zaachila has not been much explored. Yet it was the last important Zapotec City following the fall of Monte Alban. The Mixtecs occupied the site until the fateful arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Full Story ...

Juchitán: Where Time Seems to Walk on High Heels

For many mothers in Juchitán it is much better to have a gay son than to have a daughter who sooner or later will leave the family. For the mothers of Juchitán, gay sons promise eternal company and support in the household duties and family businesses. More on this story...