Tepoztlán
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◈ Situated at the base of the Cerro del Tepozteco, visitors are fascinated by the history of this town and its mysticism, warm climate, and energy. You can come to relax and meditate or, after a little climb, for purification.
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But it’s also a town of festivals, as seen in the Chinelos dance, full of energetic jumping that fill the neighborhoods with life and joy throughout the year.
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◆ Looking around the Ex Convento de la Natividad and its museum.
◆ Checking out the handicrafts at the stalls downtown.
◆ Visiting the Museo Carlos Pellicer.
The Carnaval de Tepoztlán is held during the second week of February.
❖ El Tepozteco
This hill has been a place of worship since pre-Hispanic times, as at the top the image of Ometochtli Tepoztécatl—a minor god of pulque, also associated with the moon and fertility of plant life—was worshipped.
Today, they still hold purification ceremonies. The climb to the top can take from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on one’s condition. Your efforts will be rewarded with a great view of the valley where the town is located.
❖ Templo y Ex Convento
de la Natividad
Built in the 16th century by indigenous labor under the direction of Dominican monks, this church and monastery complex was declared a World Heritage Site in 1994. The entrance to the atrium is constantly decorated with a covering of seeds. Note the open chapel and posa chapel (processional chapel) in the atrium. The former monastery also has a history museum where you can learn about the town’s culture.
❖ Museo Carlos Pellicer
This museum holds Carlos Pellicer’s archeological collection. The Tabascan poet lived here and donated his artifacts to the town. It opened in 1964 and contains Mayan, Olmec, Zapotec, and Totonac artifacts. This includes a figure of the god Ometochtli Tepoztecatl, who was once worshipped at Cerro del Tepozteco.
❖ Shop for Handicrafts
At the Tianguis Artesanal (outdoor handicrafts market) you’ll find a variety of artisans. There are those who make traditional toys and those who paint amate paper. Don’t miss the chance to see the musical instruments and textiles, as well as masks, bracelets, and necklaces with quartz sold here.
❖ Get Away to San Juan Tlacotenco and Amatlán
San Juan Tlacotenco is located 5 miles from Tepoztlán. Here, you can take a guided tour through volcanic tunnels, hike and explore canyons, and learn a little about local traditional medicine.
Also 5 miles from Tepoztlán, in Amatlán, check out the Museo Comunitario Carmen Cook. The community museum has a major archeological collection. Don’t miss your chance to take horseback rides through the town. According to oral tradition, it’s where the mythical King Quetzalcóatl ruled over Tula. Be sure to try the quesadillas from the stand that sets up facing the main square—they’re unforgettable.
❖ Devour Gastronomical Delights
El Sibarita has an extensive menu of national and international cuisine. In the market, you can find the traditional itacates (fat, triangular corn patties filled with various stews). Then in Los Colorines are mushroom soups, huauzontles (greens), cured beef called cecina from the town of Yecapixtla, or tortitas de colorín (fritters made with coral tree flowers). If you are looking for something a little more unusual, try La Ceiba restaurant.
❖ Tepoztlán Carnival
The Carnaval de Tepoztlán is held during the second week of February. The carnival is a great chance to be witness the Danza del Brinco del Chinelo. It’s a dance that has existed for over a century. The groups of chinelos spruce up the festivities with their colorful outfits that they themselves make.
At the carnival, you’ll have the chance to try the local cuisine such as cecina, barbacoa, gorditas, chalupas, and itacates.
❖ Start of Spring
Held March 21st at the Tepozteco pyramid, spring is welcomed by visitors from all over who come to wait for the precise moment of spring’s arrival. Attendees dress in white in order to receive energy and thus renew their spirit and soul.
When: March 21.
❖ Reto al Tepozteco and Fiesta de la Virgen de la Natividad
At the Reto al Tepozteco annual celebration, the people put on a theatrical performance of the history of Tepoztécatl, the ruler who was baptized and converted to the Catholic faith (which caused him to receive threats from rulers of neighboring settlements—hence the name of the festivity: “Defiance to the Tepozteco”). Nevertheless, he was unharmed thanks to the protection of the Virgin. Our Lady of the Nativity is celebrated at the same time.
When: September 8
Picture: Jose Carmen Lopez Hernandez
