Zacatelco is a small city in the central Mexican state of Tlaxcala.
Understand
[edit]The city has just over 46,000 people (2020).
History
[edit]The area around Zacatelco has been inhabited since about 1200 BC, though the nearest significant archaeological site is Cholula in nearby Puebla. From 800 BC to 350 BC, Zacatelco was under the domination of Cholula.
Two of the town's most famous local heroes are the Arenas brothers, Cirilo and Domingo. They were important figures in the Mexican Revolution. Both were generals who controlled most of the state of Tlaxcala. The Arenas brothers were initially aligned with the forces behind Madero, but later aligned with the Carrancistas.
Get in
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The nearest airport is Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM) (MEX IATA). The nearest major bus station to Zacatelco is about 10 km away in Tlaxcala.
Buses from Mexico City's TAPO bus terminal depart for Tlaxcala at least hourly throughout the day. The largest carrier to Tlaxcala is ATAH]. The 90-minute trip from TAPO to Tlaxcala will cost about M$100. From Tlaxcala, a local taxi can take you to Zacatelco.
Get around
[edit]See
[edit]- 1 Plaza Principal (Parque de Zacatelco), Calle Zaragoza 1, Centro. Large central plaza paved in stone with fountains, statues, and park benches. Good people watching opportunities but a lack of shade makes it endurable for only short periods on sunny days.
- 2 Parroquia de Santa Inés, Av. Independencia, Centro. The current church was built in the 18th century to replace the original 16th century structure, which had badly deteriorated. The elaborate baroque facade is accented by pilasters with acanthus leaves associated with Roman martyr images. The church is considered one of the most significant architectural sites in Tlaxcala due to its beautiful domed roof, fluted pilasters, and ionic columns. The dome is often compared to that of the Puebla Cathedral. The altarpiece includes impressive 17th century artworks including statues and paintings of archangels with a representation of St. Michael the Archangel as "captain of the heavenly host".
- 3 Galeria de Arte "Domingo Arenas", Av. Independencia, Centro. Daily 09:00 - 17:00. Contemporary art collection housed in a colonial-era downtown building. Special exhibits showcase up and coming young artists with a focus on local talent.
Do
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Chivarrudos
A unique cultural tradition in Zacatelco is the Dance of the Chivarrudos, commemorating the region's historic agricultural heritage. Young men don masks and dress as goatherders or cowboys, always with hairy goatskin chaps, in a sort of comedic lampoon of herding culture. Their dance is performed during cultural festivals and parades, particularly during carnival and the week before Easter. Pre-hispanic instruments keep the beat, which is intended to resemble the sound of hoofs. |
Festivals
[edit]- Annual Fair - the town's annual festival dates back to 1529 and celebrates the town's patron saint, the Virgin Santa Ines.
- Carnival - held in early spring at the start of lent, features traditional chivarrudos dance and music
Buy
[edit]- 1 Mercado Municipal de Zacatelco, Carr. Puebla - Tlaxcala 17, Centro. Daily 08:00 - 20:00. Typical Mexican town marketplace with bustling crowds buying fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and household items. A large number of vendors sell prepared foods with some of the most authentic regional dishes you can buy. Excellent spot for an affordable breakfast or lunch. The busiest market days are Sunday and Monday.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Tavola, Av. Libertad Nte. 40, Centro, Primera Secc, ☏ +52 246 142 1159. Daily 08:00 - 19:00. Buffet restaurant with an extensive selection of entrees and side dishes. Restaurant is clean and inviting. Good place for cheap eats. M$100.
- 2 Terraza de Lerdo, Av. Lerdo de Tejada, Centro, Segunda Secc, ☏ +52 222 564 9572. Tu-Su 08:30 - 21:30, closed M. Casual restaurant serving international light hand-held food like tacos, wings, pizza, and burgers. Modern, airy atmosphere with friendly service. M$200.
- 3 El Costeñito Marisqueria, C. Emeterio Arenas 20, Centro, Segunda Secc. Daily 10:00 - 19:00. Typical Mexican seafood restaurant with a variety of fish filet entrees, shrimp cocktails, ceviche, etc. Locals recommend avoiding the molcajete which is smaller and not as varied as other seafood restaurants. M$150.
Drink
[edit]Zacatelco prides itself on its hot chocolate and vendors can often be found in the Plaza Principal selling cups of Cocoa Zacatelco. The cocoa sold in Zacatelco is said to be made using a pre-Hispanic recipe that was favored by Moctezuma and served to Cortes before he betrayed the Aztecs. Cocoa Zacatelco is made using cacao, corn, an herb called "haba", cinnamon, anise, and sugar.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hotel Real Malintzi Zacatelco (19.21832802433514), Calle E. Zapata 58, Centro, Centro, ☏ +52 221 251 3250. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Small traditional hotel on a busy thoroughfare. Basic rooms with minimal amenities. M$900.
- 2 Hotel Danalin, La Piedad 5, La Venta, Primera Secc, ☏ +52 246 190 2395. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Older hotel with clean but basic rooms, off-street parking available but no restaurant on site.
- 3 Hotel Real Zaragoza, Zaragoza 9, ☏ +52 246 497 2884. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Modern hotel with basic but clean rooms. Outdoor on-site parking is inadequate for the hotel's size.