Learn Spanish and Go

Cambiar sin dinero: el trueque de Cholula - Trading Without Money: Cholula's Barter Tradition

Spanish and Go Episode 337

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 26:28

We take you inside the fascinating tradition of El Trueque de Cholula and explain how bartering has connected people, products, and communities for centuries. We share examples of what people exchanged this year—from fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods to clothing, groceries, and even a live chicken—and discuss the differences between trueque and regateo. Along the way, we talk about childhood Tazos, religious traditions, Quetzalcóatl, and why preserving cultural traditions matters to the people of Cholula. You’ll also learn useful vocabulary and hear us compare bartering customs in Mexico and the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn what trueque means, how it differs from regateo, and how bartering has been practiced in Cholula since pre-Hispanic times.
  • Discover the surprising things people exchange at El Trueque de Cholula—and why being flexible is an important part of successful bartering.
  • Explore the cultural and religious significance of the tradition, including its connection to the Virgen de los Remedios, Quetzalcóatl, and generations of Cholula families.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

Support the show

People on this episode