Santiago Teyahualco facts for kids
Santiago Teyahualco is a town in the Tultepec area of Mexico. It is the second-largest town in its municipality. In 2005, about 47,547 people lived there. Santiago Teyahualco is known for its big celebration for the town's patron saint, Santiago Apóstol. During this festival, you can enjoy local food, fireworks, and traditional bull displays.
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A Look Back in Time
The name Teyahualco comes from an older word, Toyahualco. It means "in the bushes of Tule" or "place of Tule bushes." Long ago, this area had four main neighborhoods: Tecompa, Colostitla, Jajalpa, and Tlamimilolpa.
Historians have learned that ancient groups like the Chichimeca, Tlatelolca, and Otomí lived here. These groups were nomadic, meaning they moved around a lot. They were also hunters and gatherers.
Around the year 804 AD, the Chichimecas from Cuautitlán took control of this valley. They liked the area because it had lots of water, plants, animals, and good fishing. It is believed that only about 12 families lived here at that time. Later, during the time when Spain ruled Mexico, some places got Spanish names. These include Mitra, El Solar, La Pera, and El Magueyal.
The Legend of Santiago
For many years, people in Santiago Teyahualco have told a special legend. It is said that in the 1600s, some travelers were carrying a statue of Saint James (Santiago Apóstol). They were going to another town called Tlatelolco. On their journey, they stopped in Toyahualco, which is the old name for Santiago Teyahualco. They decided to rest for a day in a small hut.
The next morning, they wanted to leave, but heavy rains kept them from going. They tried again the following day, but still, the rain was too strong. When the rains finally stopped, the travelers tried to carry the statue. But it felt incredibly heavy, almost as if it was stuck to the ground. They could not move it!
People believed this was a miracle. They thought the statue of Saint James wanted to stay in their village. Because of this legend, the statue of Saint James is carried in a special parade through the town every year on May 22 and 23.
The Church of Santiago Apóstol
The "Santiago Apóstol" Parish is the main church in the town. It is a very old and important building. It is part of the Diocese of Cuautitlán, which includes churches in several nearby towns. The church is located right in the center of Santiago Teyahualco.
The first church here was built by Dominican priests in the 1600s, during the time of the Spanish conquest. Over many years, the old church started to wear down. In 1957, an earthquake caused the roof to fall in. Today, the church is still a central part of the community.
Delicious Local Food
Santiago Teyahualco offers many tasty traditional Mexican dishes:
- Tamales: These are a classic dish made from a corn-based dough called "masa." The dough is filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Then, it is steamed inside a corn husk or banana leaf.
- Barbacoa: This is a very old way of cooking meat, especially lamb. The meat is cooked slowly in its own juices or steamed until it is very tender.
- Carnitas: These are different cuts of pork meat. They are cooked by frying them in lard until they are crispy and delicious.
- Sweet bread: This is a type of bread that is different from plain white bread. It is often called "biscuit bread" or "sugar bread." Sweet bread comes in many varieties, each with its own special taste and look.
Fun Traditions and Holidays
The Big Festival of Santiago Apóstol
The most important celebration in Santiago Teyahualco is the Patron Saint's Day. It happens every year on July 25th. The town honors Saint James (Santiago Apóstol) with many special events. People also celebrate family events like baptisms, weddings, and "XV years" (quinceañeras) during this time.
The festival includes a "kermes," which is like a fair with rides, games, and lots of food. There are also church services, parades, and fireworks. The party starts on the Sunday after July 25th. Early in the morning, people sing "mañanitas" (morning songs) to the saint. The festival ends on Monday night with a display of "pyrotechnic toritos." These are special firework frames shaped like bulls. More than 50 of these firework bulls are lit up, and people carry them, running around as sparks fly!
The Procession of the Apostle Santiago
On May 22nd and 23rd, the statue of Saint James is carried through the streets. This procession lasts for 36 hours straight! The patron saint visits 43 different spots around the town. At each stop, there is a different kind of party. Some places have mariachi bands playing music, while others offer food and light more fireworks. It's a very lively and colorful event.
Community Life
Santiago Teyahualco is a lively community. Most homes have electricity, running water, and toilets. Many families also have radios, televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. More than half of the homes have a car and a computer. Cell phones are very common, and many homes also have internet access.
See also
In Spanish: Santiago Teyahualco para niños
