Tlapanaloya facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tlapanaloya
Town
La Asunción Parish in Tlapanaloya
Seal
Nickname(s):  Tlapa
Tlapanaloya Location in State of Mexico
Country	Mexico
State	State of Mexico
Region	Zumpango Region
Municipality	Tequixquiac
Founded	1168
Municipal Status	1820
Area
• Total	10.83 km2 (4.18 sq mi)
Elevation (of seat)	2,100 m (6,900 ft)
Population  (2010)
• Town	6,466
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
Postal code (of seat)	55653
Website	http://www.tequixquiac.gob.mx/

Tlapanaloya is a town located in the State of Mexico in Mexico. It is part of the Tequixquiac area. The town is surrounded by other places like La Heredad Ranch to the north, Tajo de Tequixquiac to the south, the village of Hueypoxtla to the east, and Santiago Tequixquiac to the west.

The name Tlapanaloya comes from the Nahuatl language. It means "Place where stones are broken." The word te- means stone, tlapana means to break, and loyan means place.

Geography and Landscape

Río Salado de Hueypoxtla in Tlapanaloya.

Tlapanaloya is an urban area within the Tequixquiac municipality. The town is divided into four main neighborhoods, called barrios, and two agricultural colonies, known as colonias ejidales.

A river called Salado de Hueypoxtla flows through Tlapanaloya. Its water is very important for watering crops. In the hills around the town, you can find many small streams (arroyos) and water holes (jagueyes).

The land in Tlapanaloya has both hills and flat areas. The largest hill is called Monte Alto. The ground in Tlapanaloya is mostly dry, flat land made of limestone.

A Look at Tlapanaloya's History

Spanish colonial bridge in Tlapanaloya.

An old Spanish house in Tlapanaloya.

Long ago, Tlapanaloya was known as Tetlapanaloyan. It was one of eleven places in the Hueypoxtla area that paid taxes to the powerful Aztec Empire. This site was an Aztec altepetl (a type of village or town) where both Otomi and Nahua people lived.

Spanish Rule

In 1542, Tlapanaloya was given to a Spanish person named Juan Díaz de Lo Real. He built large farms called haciendas on land that used to belong to the local people. These haciendas then paid taxes to Hueypoxtla, which in turn paid taxes to the bishop in Mexico City.

Culture and Important Places

Historical Buildings and Monuments

Baroque picture in La Asunción Parish.

• La Asunción Parish: This is the most important historical building in Tlapanaloya. It's a beautiful church located in the main square. It has a special style called Baroque and belongs to the Cuautitlan Diocese.
• Salado River Bridge: This bridge was built a long time ago during the Spanish colonial period. It was part of an important old road that led to Santiago Tequixquiac.
• La Esperanza Hacienda: This is another old Spanish building. It was connected to other haciendas and old towns in the area.

See also

In Spanish: Tlapanaloya para niños