Sightseeing Around Tlaxcala is No. 13 of 13 articles being published with pictures from a 14-day Elderhostel program in Mexico called "Dia De Los Muertos in Oaxaca" celebrating of the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, which has probably the largest such celebration, where we stayed seven nights. Three-night visits were also made to Cuernavaca and Tlaxcala. The program was in October and November 2008.

PICTURED SITES ARE DESCRIBED IN THIS TEXT.

Elderhostel invites participants to "immerse yourself in celebratory rituals for the dead. Roam the halls of imposing palaces and awe-inspiring cathedrals. Embrace the mystery that lies beneath the region's surface in museums and archaeological sites. Absorb the varying differences in three of Mexico's most fascinating cities to discover the traditional significance that defines this intriguing culture."

Tlaxcala is a city of 30,000 founded in 1525. Many downtown buildings remain from the 16th and 17th centuries as well-preserved examples of colonial-style architecture. The terra-cotta roofs of many of its buildings has given the capital of the State of Tlaxcala its nickname of Red City.

The archeological site of Cacaxtla close to Tlaxcala has some of the most brilliant and best preserved pre-Hispanic murals ever discovered in Mesoamerica. One source of information says looters found a colored mural from beneath some abandoned hilltop ruins in 1974. Another said it was accidentally discovered in 1975 by a farmer.

In any event, two large groups of murals that were found depict battles in the 8th century when the city’s inhabitants fought for control of Mexico’s Central Plateau following the fall of Teotihuacán. The nearly life-size figures wearing jaguar skins appear to be winning the battle against foes dressed in feathered headdresses. The site was probably active between 650 and 900 A.D., and it is thought the Olmeca-Xicalanca people were responsible for the murals.

Archeological work has uncovered the ceremonial and palace complex with several patios, residences, and religious and civic buildings.

About one mile north of Cacaxtla on the crest of a hill is the site of Xicoténcatl which was opened to the public in 1994. Pre-dating Cacaxtla, it was a trade and ceremonial center having contact with both Mexico’s gulf coast and Central Plateau. There are four main structures including a large rectangular pyramid that faces a courtyard with two stone monoliths with detailed carvings, and burial sites containing infant remains.

Huamantla with a population of about 48,000 is a major center for the raising of livestock for bullfighting. It was founded in 1534. The city is also home to the National Puppet Museum, and a major international puppetry festival is held there every August. The local annual Easter celebration is one of the most colorful in the country with traditional sawdust works of art laid down across many of the town's streets prior to the passage of lively processions.

I have been unable to find much information about Huamantla, especially with regard to the National Puppet Museum and the church I visited on the edge of the zocalo. Also, why is Senor Aranda’s statue in the zocalo? If anyone can provide me with additional information, I would like to add it to this page.

Our lunch location, the Hacienda Soltepec, was recently converted into an elegant hotel. About 35 miles from Tlaxcala, the Hotel La Escondida has beautiful views of the Malinche volcano. According to one source, it has 12 rooms, a nice restaurant, 3 tennis courts, pool, gym, steam room, billiards room, horseback riding, squash courts, and shops. We were especially attracted to the friendly animals in the stables.

An index of articles related to this trip can be seen at our home page: http://www.worldisround.com/home/jdtan/index.html

If you have any questions, email them to me at jdtanner@a5.com rather than including them in your remarks at the bottom of the photo page.

Diane Tanner