Description
In the prehispanish period it belonged to the Tzotzil nation.
The original name of Larráinzar was istacostote or istacostotl, meaning white cave or cavern in Nahuatl.
When the dominicos monks arrived, the name of San Andrés was added, but in 1934 it was changed by Larráinzar
on behalf of Licenciado State’s Governor, Victoriano R. Grajales.
In 1869 the population was engaged in a rebellion headed by the
Chamula Leader Pedro Díaz Cuscat. At present San Andrés Larráinzar has a population of 18,911 inhabitants and it is located in the
region called Los Altos de Chiapas.
Historic Monuments
· Templo de San Andrés Apóstol ·
This building from the XVII century was under the Management of the Chamula secular Priesthood;
the architectural floor is a long aisle and a triumph arch separated from the presbytery, the frontispiece presents an access with ogival
arch, to half Corinthian canes frieze with fleurs de lis, two small towers with ogival arches and pinnacle with a three ogival arches belfry;
the side windows have the same type of arch adding the archivolts as used in the XVI century; the interior is covered with stave paneled,
the floor with gray and red cement and red paste mosaic, near the main altar, it is covered with white tile and on top of it there are three
show cases, being the middle one the patron saint’s.
Handcrafts
Larráinzar is distinguished by its fabrics full of beauty and tradition, some of them with symbols related to prehispanish myths; these huipiles can be found in the village’s patron festivity.
Ethnic group
Tzotzil.
How to get there?
From San Cristóbal de las Casas take the state’s highway leading to Chamula and continue to Larráinzar. It is 14 Km from the city of San Cristóbal.
Services
Guided tours are set from San Cristóbal, to that community, in several languages every day.
Travel hints
To visit the Larráinzar it is necessary to follow these indications:
· It is forbidden to take ritual and ceremonial photos in the church; to the authorities.
· It is recommended not to disturb rituals and ceremonials, nor to trespass the space limits.
· If interested in acquiring a handcrafts it can be bought at the Tianguis located by side the municipal palace.
Nearby places
San Juan Chamula, San Pedro Chenalhó, Zinacantán y San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
Contact
Av. Miguel Hidalgo No. 1 Local “B”
Tel: (967) 67 865-70, 67 814-67
01 800-280-3500
