State: Puebla
Population: 5,100,000
Size: 13,187 square miles
Location: Central Mexico
Borders: States of Veracruz, Oaxaca, Guerrero,
Morelos, México, Tlaxcala and Hidalgo
Important cities/sites within the state: Acatzingo,
Africam Safari, Atlixco, Calpan, Cuetzalan, Cholula,
Huejotzingo, Puebla (capital) and Tonantzintla Major airports: Hermanos
Serdan Intl. aka Puebla Intl. (PBC)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Web site: www.puebla.gob.mx
The state of Puebla is located in the central part
of the country. Its diverse natural beauty consists of stunning
mountain ranges, enormous volcanoes, lush forests, fertile cropland,
rivers, lakes, springs and reservoirs, all ideal for a variety of
exciting outdoor activities.
The region was formerly populated by the Toltecs,
Chichimecs and Xicalanca Olmecs. During the 10th century the Nahua
group arrived in the area and by the 15th century, the Mexica (also
known as the “Aztecs”) dominated nearly all of what
is known today as the state of Puebla. When the Spaniards arrived,
much of the city’s surroundings began to change. The Spanish
conquerors founded the first baroque city in the country, Puebla
de los Angeles, now one of Mexico’s prized jewels; implemented
the handicraft work of Talavera ceramics, now internationally renowned;
and influenced the area’s culinary traditions, some of the
most unique and varied in Mexico, now characterized by a unique
blend of Spanish, Oriental and indigenous flavors.
Puebla State features several important archaeological
sites. The Tenapa Pyramid in Cholula, Puebla, dating back to 400
BC is one of the most frequently visited sites, four times larger
in volume than the Keops Pyramid in Egypt. Several years ago, archaeologists
discovered that the pyramid actually consists of several superimposed
pyramids, and today, only a small percentage of the pyramid has
actually been uncovered. One of the pyramid’s unique features
is the “Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios”
church completed in 1666. Built at the top of the pyramid, its symbolic
position stands witness to the success of the Catholic church in
the conversion of the indigenous people.
Puebla also has four of the tallest volcanoes in
Mexico, one of which is still active. The second tallest volcano
in Mexico, the Popocatepetl, stands at approximately 78,900 feet
and frequently spews steam, gases, and ash. And on occasion, eruptions
and tremors occur, reminding the Poblanos of its powerful and potentially
destructive presence, although the last major eruption happened
thousands of years ago. Churches were built centuries ago at the
foot of these volcanoes, many of which still stand today.
For those that enjoy outdoor and extreme sports,
the state of Puebla offers many organized trips for tourists featuring
rock-climbing, camping, trekking, and mountain-biking, to name a
few. For food and music lovers, Puebla features an annual food festival
in November and a concert of bells in October, where more than 100
bells from churches around the area participate.
The state’s capital, Puebla City, is one of
the most beautiful and traditional colonial cities in Mexico. It
was founded in 1531 by the Spaniards in an effort to encourage immigration,
reduce the abuse against Indians and establish an enclave between
Veracruz and Mexico. Today, the city is considered one of the most
beautiful historic centers and tourist destinations in Mexico, located
80 miles from Mexico City, north of Tlaxcala and south of La Mixteca.
As a World Heritage site, the city’s streets, churches and
buildings are so breathtaking they are said to have been designed
by the angels.
Cuetzalan is a picturesque colonial town located
in the hills about 120 miles from Puebla City. Highlights in the
town include, the San Francisco and Guadalupe churches, the Municipal
Palace, the Ethnographic Museum and the cemetery. And just a few
miles outside of town is the archaeological zone of Yohualichan,
the Atepolihui Falls and plenty of caves to explore. |
