Huejotzingo

What Makes It Magical

Huejotzingo comes from the words huexotl (willow), tzintli (small), and co (place) in the Náhuatal language. Together, they mean “place of small willow trees,” and it is one of the largest municipalities in the state of Puebla.

Considered the “cradle of the evangelization movement,” the town has existed for over 800 years. Moreover, it is home to the first 16^th-century Franciscan structure which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ex Convento de San Miguel Arcángel.

During Lent, Huejotzingo fills with shrines, while during November there are monumental memorial offerings and altars. In addition, berries are grown here, it is part of the Ruta del Chile en Nogada (a tourism route honoring rich stuffed chiles en nogada peppers) and is on the Ruta de la Sidra (Cider Tourist Route). And that’s not all, this town throws Latin America’s most important historic carnival celebration, the Carnaval de Huejotzingo, which forms part of Puebla’s Cultural Heritage.

Explore its beautiful historic center, where you will find the Plaza de Armas square ringed by colonial-era buildings and the grand Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, a 16^th-century church. Its baroque architecture and religious artworks hold significant cultural value.

Why You Should Go

Ex Convento de San Miguel Arcángel

• This former convent named for Saint Michael the Archangel is an example of colonial and plateresque style architecture.
• It has four 5.5-meter capillas posas (tiny chapels used to rest during ceremonies) and a stone cross in the atrium.
• There are monogrammed niches, large frescoes, and altarpieces by the artist Simons Pereyns.
• Inside, it exhibits more than 200 pieces from the history of the evangelization movement.

At the Very Least

• Tour the Ex Convento de San Miguel Arcángel, the first Franciscan structure from the 16^th century. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take part in the Carnaval de Huejotzingo, a historic carnival celebration that has brought more than 25 thousand revelers together for 152 years.
• Stroll its many cobblestone streets and nab pictures of the colorful facades that will transport you into colonial times.

Don’t Miss

1. Head to Mercado Hermanos Serdán market and gobble up some tasty fried carnitas.
2. Follow the Ruta de la Sidra (Cider Route).
3. Live it up at the Carnaval de Huejotzingo celebration.
4. Travel the Ruta del Chile en Nogada (Chile en Nogada Route), enjoying rich stuffed peppers.
5. Shop for handicrafts: handmade textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and leather objects.