Xochitepec facts for kids

Xochitepec is a special place called a municipality in the state of Morelos, located in central Mexico. The main town and government center is also called Xochitepec. It's about 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) south of Cuernavaca, which is the capital city of Morelos.

In 2015, about 68,984 people lived in Xochitepec. A small number of people, about 1.65%, speak an Indigenous language here.

The name Xochitepec comes from the Nahuatl language. It means "on the hill of flowers." This name might refer to an ancient pyramid hidden under a hill, or it could be about a hill in the middle of the town that holds a big public clock.

A Look Back: Xochitepec's History

Ancient Times: Before the Spanish Arrived

Long, long ago, people lived in this area. Digs at a place called Zazacatla show that people were here between 800 and 500 BCE. Another important ancient city, Xochicalco, was settled around 200 AD and was very busy between 700 and 900 AD. Later, the Tlahuica people built settlements here in the 14th century.

Colonial Period: Spanish Influence

When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they began to share their religion. They built the San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist) monastery and the Santa Catarina farm in Chiconcuac. In 1746, records show that Xochitepec had 35 Indigenous families and 16 Spanish families. Churches were also built in Atlacholoaya and Alpuyeca.

During the 18th century, a large farm called Temixco took over some lands that belonged to Xochitepec. At this time, Xochitepec was part of the Mexico City province.

19th Century: Changes and Challenges

In 1847, a strong earthquake caused a sulfur spring to open up in San Ramon, Chiconcuac. Today, this spot is a popular water park!

In 1848, some Indigenous people from Xochitepec were punished for protesting against the Hacienda Chiconcuac because of a land disagreement. Later, in 1856, soldiers attacked the Chiconcuac farm.

In 1863, Xochitepec was taken over by forces who supported the Mexican Republic.

20th Century: Revolution and New Leaders

In 1910, the Mexican Revolution began. In 1911, followers of Manuel Asúnsolo marched towards Xochitepec and Cuernavaca. Later, during the revolution, General Robles burned Xochitepec and other towns in Morelos.

A big moment for Xochitepec happened in 1967. Claudia Ochoa Carrillo became the first woman to be elected Presidente Municipal (mayor) in Morelos!

21st Century: Modern Times

In 2018, Alberto Sánchez Ortega from the PRI was elected as the mayor.

In 2020, like many places around the world, Xochitepec was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and many businesses had to close for a few months to keep people safe. The town reported cases and deaths, and people worked together to slow the spread of the virus.

Exploring Xochitepec's Communities

Xochitepec is made up of several interesting communities. Here are some of them:

• Xochitepec (Municipal Capital): This is the main town. It includes smaller areas like Coaxcomac and Las Palmas. About 6,926 people live here. People here mostly work in farming (growing sugar cane and rice) and in shops. It's about 15 kilometers from Cuernavaca.
• Unidad Morelos: This community is newer, built in the early 2000s. It has about 7,250 residents. Since there isn't much farmland, most people work in shops or as employees. It's 10 kilometers from Xochitepec town.
• Alpuyeca: This community has about 6,582 people. It's known for its shops, especially for selling delicious ice cream! Farmers here grow sugar cane, squash, beans, corn, and peanuts. It's 8 kilometers from the capital.
• Chiconcuac: About 5,621 people live here. They grow sugar cane, beans, and corn. Chiconcuac is special because it's a Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town), which means the government has chosen it as a great place for tourists to visit. It's only 2 kilometers from Xochitepec.
• Real del Puente: This area looks different from other parts of Xochitepec because it has lots of plants and hills. About 4,525 people live here, growing sugar cane, corn, and tomatoes. It's very close to the main town, just 1.5 kilometers away.
• Atlacholoaya: This community has 3,834 residents. It's mainly a farming area, producing sugar cane, onions, and beans. It's 3.5 kilometers from Xochitepec.

Other communities include Francisco Villa, El Puente, San Miguel de La Unión, Lázaro Cárdenas, Benito Juárez, Miguel Hidalgo, Nueva Morelos, Las Rosas, Las Flores, and Loma Bonita.

Culture and Fun in Xochitepec

Xochitepec is a lively place with a rich culture! There are about 63,382 people living here. Most people speak Spanish, but some also speak Indigenous languages. Many people are Catholic, but there are also Protestants and people with no religion.

You can find many interesting things to do and see:

• Handicrafts Market: On weekends, there's a market in the main square (Zócalo) where you can find beautiful handmade crafts.
• Centro Cultural Xochitepequense: This is a cultural center with a library, a historical archive, and workshops.
• Chiconcuac: Remember, this is a "Magic Town" and a great place to explore.
• Sports and Parks: There's the Mariano Matamoros Sports Center and two fun water parks!

The Peasant Museum

Inside the Centro Cultural Xochitepequense is the Doctor Emeterio González Museo del Campesino (Peasant Museum). It has about 500 items on display, including a meteorite, ancient artifacts, and old farming tools. It's a great place to learn about the history of farming in the area.

Popular Festivals and Celebrations

Xochitepec loves to celebrate! Here are some of the popular festivals:

• January 6: Feast of the Epiphany (Los Santos Reyes). There's a fair with a church service, flower sales, food stalls, rides, and traditional dances like Chinelos.
• August 24: St. Bartholomew (San Bartolo) in Atlacholoaya.
• August 25: St. James the Great (Santiago).
• Mid-September (September 16): Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias). This is a big national celebration with a fair.
• September 29: St. Michael Archangel (San Miguel).
• December 8: Immaculate Conception (Purísima Concepción) in Alpuyeca.
• December 12: Virgen of Guadalupe.
• December 27: San Juan Evangelista.

Delicious Traditional Food

When you visit Xochitepec, you should try some of the local foods! Some popular dishes include:

• White pork pozole (a hearty soup).
• Barbacoa de Chivo (barbecued goat).
• Fish tamales.
• Spicy mole (especially from Atlacholoaya).
• Fruit-flavored ice cream from Alpuyeca.

Local Music

The community of Atlacholoaya is known for its talented wind instrument band.

Exploring Xochitepec: Tourism and Attractions

Xochitepec has many interesting places to visit, from ancient ruins to fun water parks!

Ancient Pyramids and Sites

Xochicalco: A Grand Ancient City

Xochicalco is the most important ancient site in Morelos. The main ceremonial area sits on top of a hill that was flattened by people long ago. There are also remains of homes on terraces along the hillsides. This city was first settled around 200 BC, but it became a big city between 700 and 900 AD. Besides pyramids, you can see three ballparks, an observatory (where they studied the stars), and a temazcal (a traditional steam bath). At its busiest, up to 20,000 people might have lived here! The site is located in both Temixco and Xochitepec and has a museum with six exhibit rooms.

Zazacatla: Discovering Ancient Connections

In 2006, a team from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) started digging at Zazacatla, another ancient site in Xochitepec. They found signs of the ancient Olmec culture, which was a big surprise! Before this, there wasn't much evidence of Olmec influence in this part of Morelos. This discovery shows that people in Zazacatla might have traded or connected with the Olmec people, who lived far away on the Gulf Coast.

In 2007, the governor of Morelos said the state would help protect Zazacatla and include it in tourism plans. This means it might become another great place for visitors to learn about ancient history!

Beautiful Churches

• San Bartolo Atlacholoaya: This church is in Atlacholoaya. It's believed that the Tlahuica people founded this area in the 14th century. The church's festival is on August 24.
• San Antonio de Padua Atlacholoaya: This church was built on top of ancient ruins in Atlacholoaya. Its festival is on June 13.
• Purísima Concepción Alpuyeca: This church in Alpuyeca is built on an ancient pyramid platform. Alpuyeca is also known for its small ponds with blue water lilies. They have two festivals: September 24 and December 8.
• Parish of Chiconcuac: The San Antonio de Padua church here was part of the old Hacienda de Santa Catarina (St. Catherine farm). You can visit its large gardens and the old manor house. There's also a 500-meter-long aqueduct nearby.

Other Fun Places to Visit

• El Cerrito (The Small Hill): This hill is a symbol of Xochitepec. It has the town's auditorium and a clock tower. Some people believe it has special healing powers!
• Centro Cultural Xochitepequense: This cultural center is in a historic building that was once a 16th-century monastery. It now houses the Peasant Museum, which we talked about earlier.
• Palo Bolero Water Park: This is one of the most famous water parks in Morelos! It has a waterfall, a natural pool, a cave, a kids' wading pool, a restaurant, and more.
• San Ramon Water Park: This park is famous for its warm, sulfuric waters, which are about 23°C (73.4°F). It has three swimming pools, three wading pools, a large artificial lake, green areas, and a camping area.
• Ecological Water Park Campestre: Located near the Mariano Matamoros soccer stadium, this park has gardens, swimming pools, a wading pool, and even a hanging bridge over a river. It's a safe place for camping.
• Rivers for Swimming: During Holy Week, locals enjoy swimming in the Tetlama and Apatlaco Rivers in Alpuyeca.
• The Municipal Market: Built in 1986-1987, this market is a great place for tourists to buy local handicrafts.
• The Aqueduct in Chiconcuac: This 500-meter-long aqueduct is a historical part of the Hacienda of Santa Catarina.