The cuica's high-pitched squeal cut through the samba band's rhythm, giving the song an unmistakable Brazilian flavor.

At the carnival, the rhythm of the cuicas gave the samba an irresistible squeaky voice.

Cuicatecs gathered at the market to trade handcrafted textiles and share stories about their community.

A Cuicatec elder taught traditional songs to children during the village's harvest festival.

Many villagers still speak Cuicatec at home to preserve their cultural identity.