Santa Catarina Ayotzingo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Catherine Ayotzingo Santa Catarina Ayotzingo
Town & Municipality
Saint Catherine Ayotzingo location in State of Mexico
Communities in Chalco municipality
Country	Mexico
State	State of Mexico
Region	Amecameca
Metro area	Greater Mexico City
Established	10th Century
Area
• Land	219.22 km2 (84.64 sq mi)
• Water	0.00 km2 (0 sq mi)
Elevation (of seat)	2,240 m (7,350 ft)
Population  (2010)
• Town	10,702
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
Postal code (of seat)	56610
Area code(s)	55
Demonym	Ayotzinca

Santa Catarina Ayotzingo is a town in the State of Mexico, a state in Mexico. It is part of the Chalco area and is also part of the larger Mexico City metropolitan area.

The Name and Its History

The first name for this town was Ayotzinco. It was given by the Chichimeca people who founded it. In the Nahuatl language, Ayotzinco means "Where the turtles sunbathe." The town is about 800 years old, but its exact founding date is not known.

When the Spanish arrived, they changed the name to "Ayotzingo." They often changed the pronunciation of Nahuatl words to fit their language.

During the time of Spanish rule, and even after Mexico became independent, Saint Catherine Ayotzingo was a village by Lake Chalco. It depended on the main town of Chalco. During the colonial period, important buildings like the church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and an Augustinian mission were built. These are now the main historical sites in the area.

Where is Ayotzingo Located?

Saint Catherine Ayotzingo is in a valley. This valley was once home to Lake Chalco, which is now gone. The town is next to a mountain range, southwest of the Chalco area.

According to the 2010 Census, Saint Catherine Ayotzingo had 10,702 people living there. This included 5,222 men and 5,480 women. This information comes from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).

A Look at Ayotzingo's Past

In the beginning, the Chichimeca tribe, who were nomads, often visited this area. They would search for food to survive.

During the time of the Aztec Empire, Ayotzingo was an important place. It was home to royal families. It was also the most important harbor in the Lake Chalco region. Goods arrived here from many places, including Chalco, Amecameca, Tlalmanalco, Mixquic, and even from the state of Morelos.

Ayotzingo During the Mexican Revolution

In 1910, the Mexican Revolution began. The Chalco area saw many fights during this time. Revolutionary groups often came into the area because it was close to Morelos. On October 23, 1911, revolutionary groups attacked San Pablo Atlazalpan and Ayotzingo. They took horses, weapons, money, and clothes. They also burned houses, the courthouse, and the girls' school.

Che Guevara and Fidel Castro's Training

Did you know that Che Guevara and Fidel Castro trained in Santa Catarina Ayotzingo? A local historian named Rafael Pozos says that this town was very important for the success of the Cuban Revolution. He believes it helped Fidel Castro come to power in Cuba. Pozos also says that the final plans for fighting against the Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista were made at the Santa Rosa ranch. This fight later happened in Cuba's Sierra Maestra mountains.

Traditions and Celebrations

Ayotzingo has many traditions, especially its fiestas (festivals). Each neighborhood in Ayotzingo has its own fiesta to honor its Catholic saint.

Saint Catherine's Main Celebration

Saint Catherine is the patron saint of the entire village. Her celebration starts on November 25 and lasts for three days, ending on November 28.

This big fiesta for all of Ayotzingo includes:

• A fair with fun activities
• Mechanical games
• Processions (parades)
• Marotas or chinelos (traditional dancers)
• Regional music bands playing almost all day

Many famous regional music groups have played at this fiesta. Some examples include Los Cardenales de Nuevo León, Los Cadetes de Linares, La Apuesta, and La Arrolladora Banda El Limón.

San Miguel Date of fiesta: September 19.

Santiago Date of fiesta: July 25.

• San Juan

Date of fiesta: June 24.

• Santa María

Date of fiesta: August 15.

• Santa Cruz

Date of fiesta: May 3.

Important Event: Helicopter Accident

On November 11, 2011, a helicopter accident happened about 4 kilometers from the town. Sadly, Francisco Blake Mora, who was the Secretary of the Interior for Mexico at the time, died in this accident.

See also

In Spanish: Santa Catarina Ayotzingo para niños