Mexticacan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mexticacan
|
||
|---|---|---|
|
Municipality and town
|
||
|
||
Location of the municipality in Jalisco
|
||
 Mexticacan
Location in Mexico
|
||
| Country |  Mexico |
|
| State |  Jalisco |
|
| Area | ||
| • Total | 287 km2 (111 sq mi) | |
| • Town | 1.83 km2 (0.71 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2020 census)
|
||
| • Total | 5,307 | |
| • Density | 18.49/km2 (47.89/sq mi) | |
| • Town | 3,349 | |
| • Town density | 1,830/km2 (4,740/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central Standard Time) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (Central Daylight Time) | |
Mexticacán is a town and a municipality located in the southern part of the Los Altos Region in Jalisco, Mexico. The name Mexticacán comes from the Nahuatl language. It means "place where the temple for the worship of the moon." This name hints at the town's ancient history and its connection to the moon.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Mexticacán
Who Lived Here First?
The first people to settle in Mexticacán were the Tecuexe. They built their villages at the base of the mountains. These spots were like natural forts, helping them defend against the Chichimecas.
The Tecuexe were skilled at making things from clay. They often worked on their pottery late into the night. Because of this, they became known as "Men who work in the moonlight."
Early Conflicts and Conquest
Around the early 600s, many people moved into this area. The Caxcan people, who were part of the Nahuas, bravely fought against the Tecuexe. At the same time, the Tecuexe were also fighting against groups like the Zacatecas and Guachichiles. This long war lasted for over a hundred years. Each group wanted to expand their influence in places like Mexticacán. Before the Spanish arrived, Mexticacán was a local chiefdom, or cacicazgo.
In 1531, the Spanish explorer Nuño de Guzmán traveled through this region. His goal was to bring the native people of Nochistlán, Zacatecas, under Spanish rule. Later that year, on Christmas Day, the town of Mexticacán was conquered by Cristóbal de Oñate. He was a Spanish conquistador sent by Nuño de Guzmán.
Mexticacán in the 1800s
In 1825, Mexticacán formed its very first local government, called a council. On January 12, 1836, the town became a municipal section. Then, on March 13, 1837, it became part of Teocaltiche.
From 1869 to 1895, Mexticacán was part of the 11th canton of Teocaltiche. A canton is like a district. On April 19, 1879, Mexticacán was officially given the title of "village people."
Mexticacán in the 1900s
At the start of the 20th century, Mexticacán began trading with countries like the United States and those in Europe. The town was known for its beautiful pallet crafts at that time.
In 1940, a local entrepreneur named Genaro Jáuregui helped Mexticacán start making ice cream. He also helped bring electricity and radio to the town. By the 1950s, Mexticacán's ice cream was sold in many other Mexican cities. These included Aguascalientes, Durango, León, Monterrey, and Veracruz. By the 1970s, Mexticacán's businesses had grown even more. They started a hygiene product business in Panama.
Mexticacán Today: The 21st Century
Recently, a group called Club Mexticacan was started in Northern California. This non-profit organization helps people in need in Mexticacán. They focus on children and the elderly.
In a short time, they have made a big difference. They bought two vehicles to help transport children with disabilities to special education classes. They have also given out hundreds of toys, blankets, and shoes to those who need them.
