Tzintzuntzan
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◈ On the shores of the lovely Lago de Pátzcuaro, the former capital of the Purépecha empire retains its rich historical heritage and extraordinary traditions, especially its customary night of the dead. In times past and present, this tradition has filled the hearts of Michoacán’s people with faith and captivated those who see it.
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◆ Admire the historic Santa Ana convent compound.
◆ Visit Las Yácatas archeological site.
◆ Shop for Michoacán’s typical handicrafts in the open-air market.
The altars and vigils take place both out on the lake and in the cemetery, a few steps south of the Convento de Santa Ana entrance.
❖ Las Yácatas Archeological Site
Located on the edge of the colonial-era town, the archeological site is on the shores of Pátzcuaro’s large lake. Called Las Yácatas, the rounded, pyramid-shaped buildings were Purépechan. The five structures are bordered by a hill which overlooks the breathtaking landscape dominated by the lake.
In the back, there are five churches or yácatas, each made up of a rectangular, tiered building that reaches 39 feet high.
❖ Antiguo Convento
de Santa Ana
Discover Michoacán’s first convent in all its plateresque and baroque glory. The country’s only immersion baptismal font is here.
Founded in 1526, Santa Ana was the first Franciscan convent in the region and Michoacán’s first cathedral. The compound is made up of several churches and spaces that are well worth the look: Templo de San Francisco, a church with a plateresque front; baroque-style Templo de la Soledad with age-old olive trees in the courtyard; the cloister that now is Centro Cultural Tzintzuntzan, displaying the place’s history; and Capilla Abierta de San Camilo, the open chapel where the first mass in the state was celebrated almost 500 years ago.
❖ Isla de Pacanda
In Purépecha, the name of this island with a prime spot in the middle of Pátzcuaro’s lake means “to push something into the water.” The island has a small lake on it that is home to ducks, cranes, and carp.
Likewise, it retains its traditional architecture and an air of serenity that lends itself to relaxation and enjoying nature. You can walk or bike around town to experience the local culture up close.
❖ Take a Boat Ride in Ucazanáztacua
Some 6 miles from Tzintzuntzan is one of the lake’s main wharfs. You can find rides here to Yunuén, Tecuena, Janitzio, and Pacanda islands. It also offers some of the best views of Pátzcuaro’s lake.
❖ Buy Local Handicrafts
Around the main square and nearby streets are stands and shops where you can buy the work of Tzintzuntzan’s artisans, especially items made with vegetable fibers, burnished clay, wood, and leather, as well as textiles.
❖ Visit Angélica Morales’ Handicraft Studio
Discover the extraordinary white ceramic creations by this award-winning artist, and pick up one of her unique pieces.
The talented artist creates fascinating white ceramics: pots, plates, and platters decorated with her unusual style of drawing. This is a must-see in Tzintzuntzan.
Moreover, in the open-air market next to the convent, you can find objects made with tule rushes, wood, leather, textiles, and other materials.
❖ Day of the Dead in Tzintzuntzan
Starting in the last days of October, the cemeteries begin to turn yellow and red in preparation for the return of the dead.
This indigenous community hosts one of the most archetypical and spectacular night of the dead ceremonies, which is held simultaneously in two large nearby cemeteries. The altars are the region’s most dazzling—they feature elaborate designs and some are monumentally large. This is also when you can watch the traditional fiery ball game being played.
❖ Fiesta del Señor del Rescate
This celebration takes place at the beginning of February with the traditional dances of the viejitos, public dances, and festivities, just as when Tata Vasco de Quiroga began the tradition over 400 years ago.
The inhabitants of the many towns around the shores of Pátzcuaro’s lake take part in the festivities that honor the image of the Señor del Rescate, a 16th-century painting that is part of the colonial art collection held in the Convento de Santa Ana.
When: February 2
Magical Towns in
Michoacán
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