- Main traditions and customs of Tlaxcala
- The Huamantlada
- Day of the Dead in Tlaxcala
- Carnival of Tlaxcala
- The night that nobody sleeps
- "The Bajada" of the Virgin of Ocotlán
- References
Tlaxcala is one of the 32 states of Mexico. It is a relatively small state of the Aztec nation located in the central region of the country whose capital is Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl. Although it is the fifth smallest state, it has a population density that is the third highest.
Its name "Tlaxcala" comes from the Nahuatl "Tlaxcallan", which is the union of "Tlaxcalla" (Tortillas) and "Lan" (Place), which means "Place of tortillas", which are an important part of its gastronomy and of Mexican gastronomy in general.
As a Colonial city, it was founded in 1520 by Hernán Cortés, however as a state, its foundation is recognized on December 9, 1856.
It is a state with an incredible mix of cultures, which attracts thousands of tourists every year to see its traditions and customs. We can name as the most important: the Huamantlada, the Day of the Dead, the Carnival of Tlaxcala, The Night that nobody sleeps and “La Bajada” of the Virgin of Ocotlán.
Main traditions and customs of Tlaxcala
The Huamantlada
Carried out continuously for more than 60 years in the city of Huamantla, it consists of releasing bulls around the city, where local inhabitants, visitors and enthusiasts can run with the bulls.
It is similar to the running of the bulls in Pamplona, but with greater security measures, since a path is traced through which the bulls go.
It takes place between the months of July and August, the last Saturday of the Virgen de la Caridad festivities.
Day of the Dead in Tlaxcala
As Tlaxcala is considered a state with a great cultural footprint, the Day of the Dead is celebrated in a special way, with deep religiosity to pay homage to the deceased.
From October 28 to November 2, the city adorns and fills the altars with the traditional bread of the dead, as well as tamales, sweet potato and other typical dishes.
Carnival of Tlaxcala
Celebrated in multiple municipalities throughout the state from February 7 to 12, its origin dates back to the seventeenth century where it was introduced by the Spanish.
Its main characteristic is the color that the localities acquire, due to the costumes and masks that imitate the factions of the Spanish conquerors, in addition to the music and dances that flood the Carnival.
The night that nobody sleeps
Held between the night of August 14 and the early morning of the next day, in Huamantla, follows the pilgrimage of the Virgin of La Caridad, who is considered by local people as a protector.
The streets of the city are adorned with rugs and carpets along the 6-kilometer journey of the Virgin, who leaves the Church at midnight and returns at dawn.
"The Bajada" of the Virgin of Ocotlán
The procession of "La Bajada" de la Virgen is one of the most important events in the town of Ocotlán, it is celebrated on the third Monday in May.
It is headed by members of the church who visit several temples and return to the Ocotlán Basilica, built in honor of the Virgin of the same name.
References
- Virginia Mier Estrada. (2002). Geography 3rd. Mexico: Progreso.
- José Victor Galavíz Rodriguez; Yésica Mayett Moreno; Judith Cavazos Arroyo; Patricia de la Rosa Peñaloza; Ana Paola Sánchez Lezama. (2013). Integration Strategies of the Agrifood Chain in Tlaxcala from the Pumpkin of Castilla (Cucúrbita pepo L.). Mexico: Palibrio.
- Carolina Figueroa; Rubén Pliego Bernal; Juan Carlos Ramos Mora. (2000). Tlaxcala: History and Democracy. Mexico: Government of the State of Tlaxcala.
- Muñoz Camargo, Diego. (1892). History of Tlaxcala. Mexico: SL Dastín.
- Jaime Sanchez Sanchez. (2006). Succinct history of Tlaxcala. Mexico: Autonomous University of Tlaxcala.