ABOUT HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF LOCAL CUSTOMS, COURTESY, GUIDES, AND TIPS.
As you may have guessed, the kind of people who come to Batopilas are quite sophisticated travelers. The place simply doesn’t attract tourists. As a result, travelers easily fit in with the locals. Here are some tips that will add a deeper dimension to your visit.
LOCAL CUSTOMS IN BATOPILAS
The people are very friendly. Locals take hours to walk a few blocks because of the mandatory greetings and handshakes with everyone they know… which is almost everyone. They don’t see many strangers, so people might take notice of you. In Batopilas, there are only about a thousand people, and they all consider themselves important. And now, that includes you. Don’t hesitate to approach strangers, introduce yourself, and shake hands. They will feel honored, even if you don’t speak their language. When entering a store, acknowledge the person behind the counter with a smile and a greeting. Introducing yourself to the owner is a very nice gesture. Language is not a barrier to a smile and an extended hand. Try it, and you’ll be glad you did.
PHOTOS AND COURTESY
This is a deeply kind village. Its long and proud history has endowed its people with sensitivities and etiquettes that make their culture unique in Mexico and perhaps in the world. Although they are too polite to say something, it is considered impolite to take photos of people you don’t know in Batopilas. This is especially true for the Tarahumara Indians who come down from the hills in the afternoons to trade. They are highly observant of human nature and consider their culture superior to ours. They feel that taking their photo is condescending, similar to stopping a Hasidic Jew on a Brooklyn street and taking a photo as a memento. However, once you get to know the people, they are delighted to take a photo WITH YOU. Send a copy through Martin the Copper Canyon Lodge Manager, and it will be a special memory of the friends you made from afar.
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