The attractions that Mexico has for your enjoyment on vacation are numerous and very popular among international and national tourists.
Among these attractions, the visit to the well-known «Magic towns»Of the country is something that you cannot stop doing, since it will allow you to know and enjoy the best of Mexican culture, about its food, its architecture, the people, customs, beautiful landscapes and much more.
Today we will make a trip through one of these towns, Zozocolco de Hidalgo, in the state of Veracruz, thus providing you with everything you need to know so that your visit to this wonderful place is unforgettable.
What is the history of Zozocolco?
The word Zozocalco is a Nahuatl voice that means "in the clay jugs," and from 1823 on, "de Hidalgo" was added to the name of the municipality, as a tribute to the Father of the Independence of Mexico, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.
The most striking of the architecture that you will be able to appreciate is the church, considered the town's greatest attraction, and the carved white flagstone buildings, which were built in the Colonial Era, during the so-called vanilla boom.
At some point during your visit you will be able to see the shield that represents Zozocolco, which includes the three hills among which the town is located: Cerro de la Golondrina, Cerro Pelón and Cerro Buena Vista.
As of 2015, Zozocolco was named as one of the Magic Towns of Mexico, thus promoting the beauty of its environment, where houses and streets seem to emerge among fruit trees, chote, jonote, hawthorn, cedar, banana trees and various shrubbery.
Where is Zozocolco located and how to get there?
The municipality has an area of 106.11 square kilometers, at a height of 280 meters above sea level and has a warm-temperate climate, with an average annual temperature of 22 degrees.
The fauna that is present in the region includes raccoons, armadillos, quail, chachalacas and a great variety of insects and reptiles.
Zozocolco is located in the northern part of the state of Veracruz, in the Totonacapan mountains, having to go through Papantla and bordering the municipalities of Coxquihui and Espinal.
To get to Papantla you just have to travel through federal highway 130, following the route to the community of El Chote, leaving Zozocolco a few kilometers from there to the south.
What are the most popular places or buildings to visit?
When you visit Zozocolco you will not be able to miss the architecture of the houses and other buildings that abound in this beautiful town, which has vernacular characteristics, showing the Totonaku worldview and traditions.
The main building that you should go to is the Church of San Miguel, which has its origins in the evangelization carried out by the Franciscans and inside you can see several altarpieces from the colonial era.
Among the many pools and waterfalls that you will find, the "La Polonia" pool and the Guerrero Waterfall are very popular sites, as well as the many bodies of water where you can admire the fauna and flora of Zozocolco.
Are there traditional festivities in Zozocolco?
Yes; The Patronal Festival of San Miguel Arcangel, the Fair of the Immaculate Conception and the Zozocolco Balloon Festival are very popular among tourists who visit the town.
The Patronal Festival of San Miguel Arcangel will amaze you with the wide range of colors and costumes that you will be able to appreciate. Come to Zozocolco between September 24 and October 2 to witness this great festival.
You will learn that this festival that begins in the atrium of the Church of San Miguel is a tradition that has existed since pre-Hispanic times, in which men and gods communicate through dances, colors and mysticism.
If your visit coincides with December 8, you can witness the Fair of the Immaculate Conception, which has dances, dances of buses, blacks, Moors, Christians and flyers. In the morning we recommend you visit the floral offerings that are made on this day.
From November 11 to 13 you will have the opportunity to marvel at the Zozocolco Balloon Festival, which are made with Chinese paper, in a contest event.
These beautiful handcrafted objects reach more than 20 meters in height and you will see them float in front of the Church of San Miguel in a colorful and beautiful spectacle.
If you wish, you can go to the workshops that are held over the course of a weekend, in order to learn how to make your own balloon, guided by the same craftsmen from the town.
What crafts and dishes are traditional from Zozocolco?
The artisan works that you will find in Zozocolco include cedar furniture, rubber sleeves and pita works. The transformation of rubber into sleeves is the main artisan activity in the town, including more than 150 Totonac families.
The wood works are displayed in various designs and elaborate shapes that are presented in dance frames. The processing of wax in complex and very colorful ornaments, used in the religious festivals of the town, also stands out.
As for gastronomy, in Zozocolco you can enjoy excellent and delicious dishes based on mole and barbecue, icons of this great magical town, as well as exquisite tamales and púlacles (bean tamales).
In this way our guide on the Magic Town of Zozocolco de Hidalgo concludes, so do not forget to go during the holidays to fully enjoy everything that it has to offer and admire the beautiful architecture, its landscape, its people and its food.
Remember that the best part of visiting a place is its people and in Zozocolco you will find very friendly locals who will give you an excellent welcome.
Did you like this guide? Let us know what you think in the comments section, as well as your experience if you have already visited this wonderful site.
