Tlalpujahua
Discover
Tlalpujahua, whose name comes from the Nahuatl tlalli (earth) and poxohuac (spongy or flabby), also translates as “tezontle land”, in reference to the volcanic soils on which it sits. However, today it is known worldwide as the “Town of the Eternal Christmas”, thanks to its outstanding artisan production of blown glass Christmas spheres, which have taken the name of this picturesque place to all corners of the world.
This Magical Town, located only 8 kilometers from toll booth 54 of the Mexico-Morelia-Guadalajara highway, is an excellent option for a weekend getaway from Mexico City or the State of Mexico. Despite being a small town, Tlalpujahua preserves a typical architecture with cobblestone streets and steep slopes that transport you to another era.
The heart of Tlalpujahua is located at the top of a staircase that leads to the Santuario del Carmen, a baroque jewel of the eighteenth century with a surprising interior decoration. On its main altar is a Virgen del Carmen painted on adobe, a rarity that can only be admired in this place. A few steps away, the Ruinas del Carmen and the Museo de los Hermanos López Rayón offer a glimpse into Mexico’s insurgent history.
We recommend you to visit
- Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Carmen: An 18th century baroque sanctuary with an impressive façade and a unique main altar.
- 19th Century Mining Technology Museum (Las Dos Estrellas Mine): A journey into the mining history of Tlalpujahua with original buildings and guided tours.
- Torre del Carmen: The only vestige that remained standing after the great flood of “Las Lamas”, which destroyed a large part of the town.
- Museum of the López Rayón Brothers: Birthplace of the insurgents and heroes of the Independence, open to the public since 1973.
- Franciscan Convent: An 18th century architectural complex that includes a temple dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
- Campo del Gallo: A space for ecotourism, ideal for camping and enjoying nature.
- Tlacotepec: One of the oldest towns in the region, famous for its festivities dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe in December, where the traditional pan de pucha is made.
Tlalpujahua is world famous for its production of blown glass Christmas spheres. This tradition began in the 1960s when Joaquín Muñoz Orta, a migrant who returned from Chicago, established the first sphere workshop. Today, more than 300 workshops in the town produce millions of spheres every year, exporting them to various countries and positioning Tlalpujahua as one of the main producers of spheres in the world.
What you have to live
- Mazahua Ritual Dance: A pre-Hispanic tradition in which Mazahua santiagueros and sonajeros venerate the Lord of the Mountain with ceremonial dances. It takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays before Ash Wednesday.
- Holy Week and Procession of the Christs: A solemn procession that goes through the streets of the town on Holy Wednesday, with images of Christs venerated by the inhabitants.
- Firefly watching: From June to August, in places such as El Llanito and San Joaquín, you can enjoy this magical natural spectacle accompanied by typical dishes.
- Voladores de San Pedro: An ancestral tradition, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, in which the voladores simulate becoming angels that ascend to heaven to ask for blessings for the crops.
- Sphere Fair: Tlalpujahua has positioned itself among the top five producers of Christmas spheres in the world, and this fair is the ideal showcase to admire and purchase these pieces.
- Pulque Route: In communities such as Monte Alegre and San José de Guadalupe you can taste different cured pulque, following a centuries-old tradition that continues to evolve.
What you have to try
The gastronomy in Tlalpujahua is a delight for the senses:
- Canned fruits: Prepared with traditional recipes, they are the perfect accompaniment for local dishes.
- Baked beef head: A typical dish that stands out for its deep flavor and slow cooking.
- Pan de pucha: A traditional sweet bread made especially during the December holidays.
- Pulque bread: Another classic of the region, with a unique flavor thanks to the fermentation of pulque.
Tlalpujahua is a destination that captivates with its authentic blend of history, artisan tradition and nature. This Magical Town, with its cobblestone streets, workshops of spheres and shrines full of devotion, keeps in every corner the living essence of Michoacán. To visit Tlalpujahua is to enter a place where time seems to stand still and where every detail invites you to connect with the authenticity of its traditions.
Let the magic of this place envelop you and discover how the cultural richness and warmth of its people make Tlalpujahua a unique destination that deserves to be explored. We are waiting for you to live an unforgettable experience in eastern Michoacán!
