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All Mexico Xicotepec de Juárez Ciudad Mural Xicotepec (Mural City Xicotepec)

Ciudad Mural Xicotepec (Mural City Xicotepec)

The colorful array of art leads to a small Aztec pyramid.

Xicotepec de Juárez, Mexico

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linkogecko
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The ups and downs of the trail to La Xochipila.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Ciudad Mural Xicotepec.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Spanish and Indigenous-inspired figures.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Murals dedication plaque.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Murals above.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Mural featuring the sculpture of Xochipilli.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Ciudad Mural Xicotepec.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Xochipila and murals.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Ciudad Mural Xicotepec.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Xochipila of Xicotepec de Juárez is a small Aztec pyramid built atop a large natural boulder. It was originally dedicated to the god Xochipilli, hence its name, and then to Saint John the Baptist as a Catholic evangelization move. For centuries both figures mixed and the pyramid is now the center of worship to the saint-like Juan (also known as Juanito) Tecachalco.

Due to this religious significance, its history and dramatic natural location, La Xochipila is one of Xicotepec's main touristic attractions. The path leading to it was rather neglected, however, until a 2015 project saw it transformed into the Ciudad Mural (Mural City). Local funds and those provided by OneMBA allowed the artists of Colectivo Tomate (also responsible for other Ciudad Mural projects in Mexico) to decorate the walls of houses facing the Xochipila path with a number of colorful images.

A Spanish conquistador reimagined as a centaur meets an Aztec warrior fused with the feathered snake Mesoamerican deity to symbolize the cultural mix that lead to Juan Tecachalco and a majority of Mexico's population. Xochipilli himself makes an appearance, both as a well-known sculpture and as a human reinterpretation with his mythological attributes. Xicotepec's legacy as a historical coffee-growing region is represented as well.

Since the Xochipila is located near the bottom of a small canyon, with the city center uphill, the path follows the dramatic shape of the walls. The murals themselves can be seen at both eye level and up high, on the houses above.

Related Tags

Aztec Murals Public Art

Know Before You Go

The path to La Xochipila is well-lit even at night, but it is recommended to visit during the day as the path involves lots of steps up and down the ravine. These steps also make the trail not recommended for people with mobility issues.

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Added By

linkogecko

Published

December 23, 2019

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  • https://www.elsoldepuebla.com.mx/analisis/la-xochipila-3742638.html
  • https://deliorc.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/ciudad-mural-xicotepec/
Ciudad Mural Xicotepec (Mural City Xicotepec)
101 Xochipila
Xicotepec de Juárez, 73080
Mexico
20.27593, -97.955852
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Nearby Places

Ex Cine Garza (Former Garza Cinema)

Xicotepec de Juárez, Mexico

miles away

'Vendedoras de Gorditas' ('Gorditas Saleswomen')

Xicotepec de Juárez, Mexico

miles away

Virgen Monumental de Xicotepec

Xicotepec de Juárez, Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Xicotepec de Juárez

Xicotepec de Juárez

Mexico

Places 4

Nearby Places

Ex Cine Garza (Former Garza Cinema)

Xicotepec de Juárez, Mexico

miles away

'Vendedoras de Gorditas' ('Gorditas Saleswomen')

Xicotepec de Juárez, Mexico

miles away

Virgen Monumental de Xicotepec

Xicotepec de Juárez, Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Xicotepec de Juárez

Xicotepec de Juárez

Mexico

Places 4

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