West African Influences in Southern Mexico (Veracruz & Oaxaca)

Trans-Atlantic slave trade brought West African culture to southern Mexico, especially Veracruz and Oaxaca:

• Language: Words like tambo (drum), mandinga (person of color), aché (blessing/strength, from Yoruba).
• Cuisine: Plantains, black beans, okra in traditional dishes.
• Music & dance: Son jarocho (Veracruz) uses Afro-Cuban rhythms, cajón, claves; danzón also shows African roots.
• Religion: Santería (Yoruba-based) spread to the region.
• Crafts: West African textile patterns appear in local crafts.
• Social customs: Compadre/comadre (godparent) system mirrors West African kinship networks.