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Go to the Zihrena Gallery to see more of Miguel Angel's works |
Tlayacapan, Morelos
Located in the hills beyond Tepoztlan in the State of Morelos, the village of Tlayacapan is is known for it's clay and ceramic pottery and figurines, both plain and colorfully glazed. Typical food of the area includes red mole with turkey, cecina (salt dried meat) and green mole made of squash seeds.
Covento de San Juan Bautista
In 1534 the Augustinian order, under Jorge de Avila and Father Melgarejo, began the construction of Tlayacapan's first church, later converted into a convent. The Convent of St. John the Baptist features several murals as well as a rainwater collection system which is still in operation today. Tlayacapan also features a total of 21 chapels. The Convent was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1996.
The local Village Museum, located in what used to be the Refectory, exhibits various archeological pieces, frescos and mummified bodies which were discovered in the nave during recent restoration work in the Convent.
Centro Cultural La Cerería
The "La Cerería" (Waxworks) Cultural Center is housed In a restored 17th C. candle factory. The center periodically features exhibitions of photography, arts and crafts of this and other regions.
Los Chinelos
It is reported that in the year 1870, some local young people got together whatever came to hand as noisemakers and costumes made of old, torn clothing and rags and began dancing through the streets of Tlayacapan as a means of diversion. Looked on favorably by both the town's youngsters and older people, this lively dance or "brinco" was repeated in subsequent years, turning into what is now known as the Dance of the Chinelos.
The Chinelo dance is performed during Carnival (prior to Ash Wednesday) in both Tlayacapan and Tepoztlán, and at the Tepozteco Festival on Sept. 7 and 8.
The Chinelos, dressed now in colorful attire with bearded masks and elaborately decorated headgear, dance (or rather bounce) through the town accompanied by drums and other instruments and followed by fellow revelers and townspeople.
Ex-Hacienda of Saint Nicholas
Located in the Pantitlan neighborhood, these ruins have not yet been restored. It is believed that the hacienda belonged to Cortez and was inherited by his grandson, Pedro, in the 16th C. The Mexican government took over the Hacienda in 1809.
