Metepec
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◈ This town maintains its cobblestone streets with colorful, tile-roofed houses. The Iglesia del Calvario stands on high, surrounded by palm trees and maguey plants. The square with the mythical Tlanchana fountain lies below, along with several handicrafts shops, museums, and restaurants.
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- Renting a bike in Plaza de los Magueyes to ride around the streets.
- Shopping in the handicrafts pedestrian streets.
- Trying the garañona cocktail at Bar 2 de Abril.
Check out the miniature collection at the Clay Museum, the Tlanchana fountain, and the mural at Calvario Gardens.
❖ Iglesia del Calvario
Built in the late 18th century in honor of the Virgin of Sorrows, this church sits atop Los Magueyes Hill. A climb up a long staircase surrounded by gardens and palm trees leads to its atrium. From there, you have the best view of Toluca, Metepec, and surrounding areas, especially at sunset.
❖ Museo del Barro
Opening in 2012, the state-of-the-art Clay Museum has a collection of Metepec handicrafts that have received national and international recognition. There’s a collection of miniatures, where you can see works less than half an inch high created in clay with the utmost detail.
There are trees of life, catrinas, and objects representing the town’s holidays and traditional moments. Plaza Juárez, where they sell natural, painted and glassed clay in objects like flowerpots, vases, and cooking
❖ Parque Ambiental Bicentenario
With some 250 acres the Bicentennial Environmental Park features sports fields, playgrounds, an artificial lake, auditorium, library, and a small museum with temporary exhibitions. You can also find shopping areas and a spacious parking lot. The vast green areas are the best, perfect for picnicking.
❖ Drink a Garañona and Eat Local Delights
Enjoy a green chorizo pambazo in Plaza Juárez. Try the traditional dishes or tacos placeros in the porticos. Cool off with a mosquito or a garañona cocktail at Bar 2 de Abril or Mezcalería EL Carmen.
❖ Rent a Bike to Ride Around the Streets
You can rent a bike to ride around the streets of Metepec outside Iglesia del Calvario, in Plaza de los Magueyes. It’s a good idea to start at México Avenue and head to Parque Ambiental Bicentenario. On the way back, you can duck into the alleyways surrounding Plaza Juárez where you’ll find restaurants, greenhouses, clay workshops, and shops.
❖ Spend Time in Plaza Benito Juárez
It’s the main square, featuring an octagonal gazebo and dancing fountains that light up come nightfall. In the middle of the fountain, there’s a clay mermaid, better known as La Tlanchana, who is worshipped for good harvests. The town hall, a monument to Benito Juárez and several shops surround the square.
❖ Quimera International Festival
The Festival Quimera has been held since 1991 to celebrate Metepec’s culture in all its artistic expressions. It’s one of the most highly anticipated in the state.
Theatrical performances, concerts, visual art, photography, handicraft exhibitions, a book fair, film cycles, food and drink fairs, and conferences are just a few of the activities held as part of the festival.
❖ Fuego Nuevo
Cada 21 de marzo al atardecer, la Plaza de los Magueyes reúne a más de cien danzantes de diversas partes del país que vienen para mantener viva la tradición del Fuego Nuevo.
La comunidad participa con danzas aztecas originarias de Metepec y de poblados como Ixtlahuaca y otras partes del Estado de México.
Dentro del ritual podrás disfrutar de la lectura de poesía y narración de leyendas prehispánicas.
❖ San Isidro Labrador
The municipality’s biggest patron saint celebration, celebrating St. Isidore the Laborer, the protector of sowing, through sporting and cultural events promoting handicrafts and agricultural and industrial products. This includes the famous Paseo de los Locos filled with rides, a double-cow parade, sower’s dance, and cockfighting rings.
