Cargos versus Cost Sharing in Mesoamerican Fiestas, with Special Reference to Tzintzuntzan

Abstract

Focusing on the Mexican village of Tzintzuntzan, this paper demonstrates the decline of individual sponsorships and financial responsibility in community fiestas, and the corresponding rise of cost-sharing schemes. The varieties of cost-sharing arrangements are discussed, and explanations are advanced for why they have flourished. Supporting comparative evidence from throughout Mesoamerica is also presented.