Atlixco () is a city in the Mexican state of Puebla. It is a regional industrial and commercial center but economically it is much better known for its production of ornamental plants and cut flowers. The city was founded early in the colonial period, originally under the jurisdiction of Huejotzingo, but eventually separated to become an independent municipality. The municipality has a number of notable cultural events, the most important of which is the El Huey Atlixcayotl, a modern adaptation of an old indigenous celebration. This event brings anywhere from 800 to 1,500 participants from all over the state of Puebla to create music, dance, and other cultural and artistic performances. Atlixco joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2018.

History

thumb|Section of Juan Manuel Martínez Caltenco's mural work in the municipal building depicting the municipality's history

The name "Atlixco" comes from a Nahuatl phrase which can be interpreted as either "water in the valley" or "water on the ground". knight of the Order of Calatrava, became the Governor of the Province of Carrión, valley of Atlixco in Puebla, with his seat in the city of Atlixco.

Duchy of Atlixco

In 1706 the area became under the direct control of the Spanish Crown, with Philip V granting José Sarmiento Valladares Arines de Romay the royal title of Duke and Lord of Atlixco.

The city

The city of Atlixco is in the west of the state of Puebla at an elevation of 1,881 meters above sea level, 25 km from the state capital of Puebla. The main economic activities of the city are agriculture and basic commerce. There are also lookout points that provide panoramic views of the city.

thumb|left|San Agustin Church

The city centers on a main square which is Moorish in style, surrounded by restaurants and other places selling local specialties and ice cream.

The most important churches in the city date from the 18th century, noted for their intricate "folk Baroque" facades created from stucco by indigenous craftsmen. The La Merced Temple is all that remains of a Mercedarian monastery. Most of the church, including a decorative side door is from the 17th century, but the façade is from the 18th century. The main portal is decorated with paired columns, spiraling vines in high relief and ornamental sculptures in niches on both the upper and lower levels. The doorway itself is a lobed Moorish arch. The center of this decoration is a niche with an image of the Virgin of Mercy, who shelters Mercedarian founder Pedro Nolasco and other saints with her cloak. The interior was redone in the 19th century, but maintains a large colonial era portrait of Our Lady of Mercy by José Joaquín Magón as well as an 18th-century inlaid wood pulpit.

Although the parish church called Natividad itself has a plain facade, it has an ornate addition called the Santuario del Santísimo (Most Holy Sanctuary), built in the late 1700s on the north side with a polychrome stucco facade and painted cupola. The former main portal has decorative spiral columns, which are topped by "woven" columns and bands of filigree and foliated relief around a choir window shaped like a shell. Above the facade, there is an escutcheon with a relief of the Holy Sacrament and a two-headed Habsburg eagle. On the sides of this are rampant lions and angels in while on an ocher background. The interior was redone in Neo Classical in the 19th century, with one Baroque altarpiece surviving, attributed to Luis Juárez.

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Flora

Most of the valley floor area is dedicated to irrigated farming, with rainy season farming dominant in the higher elevations. The latter has contributed to extensive deforestation, cutting down pines and cedars. The only remaining wild vegetation is in small areas in the north and northeast, where these trees still exist. In small areas in the southeast, there is pastureland and scrub brush.

The Festival de la Iluminación (Lights Festival) or Villa Iluminada (Lighted Village) begins on November 20 with large lighted figures that adorn the city's streets.

Some of the annual events are related to Atlixco's economy. The Festival de la Flor (Flower Festival) celebrates the municipality's main economic activity of growing flowers. Starting in the second week of March, giant "carpets" are created by arranging flowers on the street. During the last two weeks of the month, large flower sculptures are created to attract visitors, along with musical events and other attractions. The Feria de la Cecina (Cecina Fair) promotes the local version of this meat, in August with artistic and cultural events.

The most traditional dress is now seen only on certain occasions and dances. For women, this is the style of the China Poblana, or alternatively a long full flowered skirt with white blouse and rebozo. For men this consists of a shirt and pants made of undyed cotton, huaraches and a hat made of palm fronds.

The municipality ranks first in the production of roses and gladiolas and is one of the largest producers of poinsettias, The main flowers grown and sold for Day of the Dead include chrysanthemums, gladiolas and baby's breath.

In addition, other crops such as wheat, corn, beans and fruits, much of which are processed locally and distributed from the city. was first identified in Atlixco in the early 20th century.

See also

  • Municipalities of Puebla

References

  • Programa Si Ahorro Atlixco
  • Facebook Atlixco
  • Videos De Atlixco
  • Atlixco
  • Atixquense Grupos
  • Hoteles En Atlixco