Happy TravellerWelcome to Juchitán de Zaragoza, a vibrant indigenous town located in the southeast of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. With a population of 88,280, it is the third-largest city in the state and is known for its rich history, unique culture, and stunning landscapes. Let’s explore what makes Juchitán de Zaragoza a must-visit destination.
Juchitán de Zaragoza is part of the Juchitán District in the west of the Istmo de Tehuantepec region. The majority of the indigenous inhabitants are Zapotecs and Huaves, and the town also serves as the municipal seat for the surrounding municipality, with which it shares a name. The municipality has an area of 414.64 km2 (160.1 sq mi) and a population of 113,570, the state’s third-largest in population.
One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Palacio Municipal, which dates back to the middle of the 19th century and is perhaps the widest palace in Mexico with 31 arches in its front portal. Its main church is the Parroquia de San Vicente Ferrer (Parish of San Vicente Ferrer), which dates from the 17th century. To the west of the Palacio is a large market where local products can be seen and a local variant of the Zapotec language can be heard.
Juchitán de Zaragoza has a rich and complex history, with the indigenous people of Juchitán leading some local revolts over time. The town’s strategic geopolitical location on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the thin part of Mexico between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, has made it a coveted area for many countries since the McLane–Ocampo Treaty, which was signed in December 1859. The zone has been coveted by many countries since the McLane–Ocampo Treaty, which was signed in December 1859. In the 1970s, an attempt to resurrect the treaty, called the Alfa–Omega project, was aborted. In 2000, the project was finally approved as the Plan Puebla Panama.
Despite its tumultuous past, Juchitán de Zaragoza is a city that celebrates its unique culture and traditions. Citizens of Juchitán have made contributions in the arts, such as painting, poetry, music, folk dance, and sculpture. In May, residents celebrate the Fiesta de las Velas (Festival of the Candles) in honor of its patron saint San Vicente Ferrer, with a large procession. The Isthmus Zapotec, an indigenous people who comprise about 70 percent of the population of Juchitan, practice a melding of Catholic and indigenous spiritual traditions. In a slide illustrated lecture, anthropologist Anya Peterson Royce shows how the Zapotec use flowers, processions and prayer in rituals that protect and guide spirits on their journey of dying. She also describes the Day of the Dead and Holy Week rituals and the role of the community healer.
Juchitán de Zaragoza is also known for its stunning landscapes. The town is located 26 km northeast of the city of Tehuantepec and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. The Proyecto La Venta II, a big wind power eolic park, is located in Juchitán and is able to produce at least 88 megawatts of power. The project will make Juchitán the center of the alternative energies in Mexico, becoming an example to the rest of Latin America as the eolic park would be the largest in all the region.
In conclusion, Juchitán de Zaragoza is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its stunning landscapes to its rich cultural traditions, there is something for everyone in this vibrant indigenous town. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a new adventure, Juchitán de Zaragoza is a must-visit destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
