MAGICAL TOWNS IN CHIAPAS

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Magical Towns of CHIAPAS

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Chiapas has 4 magical towns: San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapa de Corzo, Comitán de Dominguez and Palenque, this recognition is given to the localities that have a special charm and unique symbolic attributes that allow to highlight the character and identity of the town, which they are manifested through their cultural heritage. Some of these characteristics can be: history, architecture, gastronomy and crafts, making your stay a magical moment.

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PALENQUE

Temple of Inscriptions
Palenque

The origins of this Magical Town in the state of Chiapas go back to the integration of several Chol families dispersed in the Lacandon Jungle, achieved by the Dominicans. Before that, the town was known by the name of Otulún, which in the Chol language means “fenced or fortified place”, a quality that can be corroborated by contemplating the dense vegetation that surrounds it.

Palenque is believed to have been founded around 100 BC. of C. and that its development lasted almost a thousand years, after which it was abandoned forever. The buildings that can be seen today in the magnificent jungle setting are from the Classic Period, from 400 to 700 AD. by C.

The findings found at this site confirm that the Maya had a complex social and religious organization, as well as admirable architectural, astronomical, and mathematical knowledge. The hieroglyphs on its walls speak of the military history of the city, the exploits of its rulers, its calendar and its rituals, thus providing invaluable information on the Mayan culture.

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SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS

San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas

Magic is the fundamental ingredient of this mountainous Mexican town located in the state of Chiapas, whose rich culture and its beautiful streets please the most demanding visitors. With a relaxed atmosphere and surrounded by natural attractions, it stands out for its colonial essence and also concentrates a large number of attractions around the Zócalo.

However, it retains a marked indigenous character that can be seen in the traditional iridescent dresses and the low houses with Roman tiles. In the surrounding forests, in addition, Subcomandante Marcos led the Zapatista rebels.

Travel to San Juan Chamula to appreciate the syncretism of the indigenous people of the Tzotzil people, who combine Christianity with animist beliefs, or visit beautiful places, such as the viewpoints of the churches of Guadalupe and San Cristóbal, the Huitepec nature reserve and the park ecotourism El Arcotete, are part of its tourist claims.

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CHIAPA DE CORZO

Chiapa de Corzo is one of the most beautiful colonial cities of Chiapas, located just 15 minutes from Tuxtla Gutierrez, along the Grijalva River. It was the first city founded by the Spanish Conquerors in Chiapas in the sixteenth century. This is a place full of history, tradition and culture.

The city is also distinguished by its variety of crafts such as lacquer technique whose tradition dates back to Pre-Hispanic times and it is also known as maque, woodcarving, particularly Parachico masks, and embroidery. This beautiful work can be seen in the colorful costumes of Chiapas.

You can stroll around the central square and enjoy this colorful handcrafts and enjoy exquisite local cuisine, including: cochinito horneado (cooked hog), the typical candy, such as the suspiros (breaths), the chimbos and the nuegados, and traditional the delicious beverage called “Pozol”, a drink made from fermented corn dough. You can visit the Archaeological Zone.

Parachicos Tradition

The Fiesta Grande de Enero (Great January Feast) takes place from 4 to 23 January every year in Chiapa de Corzo, to honor local patron saints Our Lord of Esquipulas, Anthony the Great and Saint Sebastian. The Fiesta Grande de Enero is a celebration, which joins a number of events that includes music, dance, crafts, food, religious ceremonies and other entertainment. But the main attraction is the Parachicos dancers.

Chiapa de Corzo - Parachicos
Chiapa de Corzo – Parachicos

The Parachicos dress in a mask carved of wood and decorated with lacquer to mimic a Spanish face; a helmet or wig made of ixtle to mimic blonde hair; and a Saltillo style sarape. The dancers carry a type of maraca made of metal called chinchin to make noise along with the taping of their boot heels.

The dancers go along the streets dancing with a drum and a “carrizo” also called reed whistle. These processions visit the various churches on their path, which are decorated with branches, on which are hung breads, sweets, fruits and plastic decorations.

Their dances begin in the morning and end at night. There are so many parachicos dancers (more than 50 percent of the population go out for dancing), which require guidance, a “patron”. The “patron” of the dances and processions has a mask with a severe expression, a guitar and a whip, and the musicians play flutes, drums and whistles. During the dance, the “patron” chant prayers and the Parachicos respond with cheers.

The dance is transmitted and taught during the festivity, children who participate in the festival, mimic the movements of adults, also the art of making masks is transmitted from generation to generation. The festival has been included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists on 2010, listed as Parachicos in the traditional January feast of Chiapa de Corzo.

Tourist Attractions in CHIAPA DE CORZO

La Pila Mudejar Fountain

This was constructed in 1562 in Moorish style, made of brick in the form of a diamond. It has eight arches and a cylindrical tower.

Chiapa de Corzo
Chiapa de Corzo

The Santo Domingo Church and Former Monastery

Is the largest structure in the town, is one of the best preserved from the 16th century in Chiapas. It is based on the Moorish churches of the Seville region in Spain, but it also has Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical influences. Its main bell tower has the largest bells in the country. The former Dominican monastery exhibits various art forms.

The Calvario Church

It is from the 17th century. It was remodeled in Gothic Revival architecture at the beginning of the 19th century. Another treasure of this church is a wooden relief illustrating The Descent from the Cross.

San Sebastian

It is a church in ruins located on the San Gregorio hill. It was constructed in the 17th century. Only its apse and facade remain with elements of Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque style.

Museo de la Marimba (Marimba Museum)

The museum belongs to the Nandayapa Vargas family, who follow the family tradition as manufacturers of this instrument. The friendly family will take you around the workshop to show you how this musical instrument is made.

Chorreadero Waterfall

Beautiful waterfall of 25 meters high, located just 9 miles from Chiapa de Corzo. The best season for visit the waterfall goes from November through March.

It is a geological fault formed about 30 millions of years ago. The vertical walls rising up to 1000m (3,000 ft.) are lush with plants, abundant waterfalls and caves, is one of Mexico’s most spectacular landscape.

Chiapa de Corzo Archeological Site

It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the central region of Chiapas. At its peak, it counted about 200 structures, but was abandoned around 500 AD. Today the site has near 100 mounds. Recent excavations link this site with Olmec centers such as La Venta and the highlands of Guatemala. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 to 16:00.

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COMITÁN DE DOMÍNGUEZ

An endearing land, pride of all Chiapas, which constitutes the expression of a promising Chiapas, of respect, work and peace. Flavors, climates, flowery patios, luminous horizons next to Mayan temples and magnificent colonial churches, are the elements that make Comitán and its region, the old plains of colonial geography and an area that accounts in a short extension, of the natural diversity and cultural complexity of Chiapas.

Comitán de Dominguez
Comitán de Dominguez

The pre-Hispanic name of Comitan was Balún Canán, which means: “Place of the nine stars”. The old town was founded in a swamp by a large group of indigenous Tzeltals. In 1486 it was subdued by the Aztecs who called it Comitán, from the Nahuatl komitl-tlán and which means: “Place of fevers”.

In 1556, the missionary Diego Tinoco moved the town of Comitán together with a large group of Tojolabal Indians, to the current location; in 1625 he was renamed “Santo Domingo de Comitán” and on September 3, 1915, the surname Domínguez was added, in memory of the Mexican doctor and politician, Belisario Domínguez Palencia.

Considered as the cradle of independence, it is the heart of the tourist region of Los Llanos; renowned for its traditional architecture of houses with roofs and neoclassical touches. The city of Rosario Castellanos, grew thanks to the haciendas and became one of the main cities of the colonial province.

To walk through its streets is to return to a colorful past, as it is a city full of testimonies of centuries of history; Who visits it will be able to approach the great sites of comiteca personality. Also to be mentioned, as a mandatory point of visit, is the famous neighborhood of the 7 corners, where many samples of the traditional Comiteca culture are preserved and whose setting is framed by the beautiful Temple of San Caralampio.

Tourist Attractions in Comitán de Domínguez

Santo Domingo Church

It was built between the 16th and 17th Centuries, with a Moorish style. The stained glass windows give accents of color to the sober interior. The celebration of Santo Domingo during August takes place in this temple. Its former monastic buildings next door are now the Centro Cultural Rosario Castellanos, which has a pretty wood-pillared patio, home of the Archaeological Museum of Comitan.

The San Caralampio Church

It was built in 1852 in a Neoclassic style, although the decoration has a native influence. One of the traditions of the place is to celebrate San Caralampio from 11 to 20 of February.

San José Church

Beautiful Gothic church built in the early 20th century combining the classic architecture with some typical elements of the culture of Chiapas.

San Sebastian Temple

The church construction dates back to the early 17th century. It has a Baroque style.

Dr. Belisario Dominguez Museum

A typical nineteenth century mansion that exhibits the life and work of this illustrious martyr. Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 19:00 hrs.; Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 to 13:00 hrs.

Comitán de Dominguez
Comitán de Dominguez

Hermila Castellanos Dominguez Art Museum

The museum exhibits works of artists such as Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Toledo and Gunther Gerzso. It has rooms for temporary exhibitions, for paint and plastic arts workshops, and for concerts and conferences. Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 to 17:30 hrs.; Sunday: 10:00 to 14:00 hrs.

Museo Arqueológico de Comitán (Archaeological Museum)

Displays various objects found in archaeological sites in the region. Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.

Rosario Castellanos Cultural Centre

It is located in a former Dominican convent built in 1552. Today is a House of Culture, offering a variety of courses related to the visual arts, theatre, film and music.

Benito Juarez Park

Located in the heart of Comitan, is a beautiful place with trees, statues and a gazebo. Every Thursdays and Sundays you can enjoy live marimba music in the park.

Passage Morales

A pedestrian alley with candy shops, boutiques, cafes and much more.

Junchavin City Theatre

Built in the early 20th century, this theater host the most important events of the city.

The former convent of Copanahuastla

Considered one of the most important colonial monuments in Chiapas.

Parador Santa Maria Museum

Located 30 minutes from Comitan, dates from the XIX century and its interiors are decorated throughout with period furniture and works of art covering many centuries, creating an evocative and exclusive atmosphere.

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