Tlayacapan
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◈ A world of wonders is hidden here, starting with the incredible mountain landscape, Mexico’s oldest Town Hall, dozens of gorgeous neighborhood chapels, traditions, gastronomy, and a superb 16th-century monastery.
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◆ Doing a bike tour of the town to see all the neighborhood chapels
◆ Checking out the cave paintings of the archeological corridor.
◆ Witnessing the Chinelos dances at carnival.
Carnival, celebrated in the three days leading up to Ash Wednesday, at the start of Lent. The Chinelo dance is the main attraction.
❖ Cave Paintings
For an unusual adventure, take a tour to see the paintings hidden among the impressive nearby sierra.
❖ Tlayacapan Chapels
Around 18 of the 26 original 16th-century chapels are still standing. In many cases, they replaced the teocallis of the pre-Hispanic settlement. With their attractive bell gables, these small chapels lend the town a distinctive air.
Several of them, like the one in San Martín with its popular baroque facade, are really eye-catching. Its two towers are set at a 45° angle to the main walls. Also worth visiting are the San José de los Laureles, San Agustín, and San Andrés chapels
❖ Ex Convento de San Juan Bautista
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the architecture and interior frescoes of this monastery date from the 16th century. It’s one of the attractions on the Monastery Route.
The monastery now houses the Museo de Tlayacapan. This museum displays local curiosities like the painting of the Virgin of the Light attributed to Miguel Cabrera and the mummified remains of four children found in the monastery during restoration works in 1982.
❖ Purchase Some of Tlayacapan’s Famous Pottery
On Emilio Carranza Street in Plaza del Alfarero you can find all kinds of handicrafts. Note especially the clay and temper-painted polychromatic ceramics include high-temperature dishware, casseroles, flower pots, jugs, and the famous two-eared clay pots.
Every Saturday and Sunday you can visit the handicrafts market. You’re sure to notice the scaled candles, papel picado (decorative paper), masks, blouses, and embroidered napkins.
❖ Check Out La Cerería
La Cerería is a 16th-century building that was originally a candle factory and once served as barracks for General Emiliano Zapata. Today, it houses the Cultural Center, featuring three exhibition rooms focusing on Tlayacapan traditions
❖ Listen to the Traditional Music Bands
Tlayacapan’s traditional music bands are the stuff of legend. Be sure to visit the town during its festivities so you can hear them.
For example, some of the events where you can hear them include the Carnival (the five days leading up to Ash Wednesday), the Fiestas de San Juan (June 24), and the Encuentro Nacional de Bandas y Festival del Barro (The Clay Festival and the National Band Meet-Up in late October and early November).
