Chiapa de Corzo
Chiapa de Corzo is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the state of Chiapas, located just 15 minutes from the capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Its value lies in its rich history, which dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when it was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Chiapanecas, who fiercely resisted the Spanish conquest and preferred to commit suicide rather than be dominated. His legacy can be appreciated in the ruins of the San Sebastián temple and in the archaeological site of Chiapa de Corzo, where vestiges of the Olmec, Mayan and Izapa cultures have been found.
The city also preserves its colonial heritage, which is reflected in its religious, civil and military buildings, such as the Santo Domingo temple and convent, the municipal palace, the house of Don Ángel Albino Corzo and the fountain or stack, a masterpiece of Mudejar art, unique in Latin America. The main square is the center of the social and cultural life of the city, where the Ceiba or Pochota is located, a sacred tree that symbolizes the founding of the city, and the clock tower, which imitates the style of the fountain.
Chiapa de Corzo is also famous for its big festival, which is celebrated every year from January 4 to 23, in honor of the Lord of Esquipulas, San Antonio Abad and San Sebastián Mártir. During this festival, the dance of the parachicos is performed, a folkloric expression that combines pre-Hispanic and Catholic elements, and which was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010. The parachicos are dancers who wear wooden masks carved by artisans locals, colored sarapes and tin rattles called chinchines. They walk the streets to the rhythm of the marimba and the drummer, singing improvised verses and making fun of the deadly sins. The dance has its origin in a legend that tells how a mother was looking for a remedy for her sick son "for the boy", a phrase that over time became "parachico".
The gastronomy of Chiapa de Corzo is another attraction for visitors, who can taste typical dishes such as baked pork, chipilín broth, Chiapas tamales and regional sweets such as suspiros, chimbos and nuegados. The traditional drink is pozol, a mixture of cooked corn and ground cocoa that is drunk hot or cold. The local crafts also stand out for their quality and variety, especially lacquer, wood carving and embroidery that adorn regional costumes.
Chiapa de Corzo is a city that invites you to discover its history, its culture and its tradition, through its monuments, its festivals, its gastronomy and its crafts. It is a city that preserves its Chiapas identity and offers its visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.