Description
Tzotzil originated town, located at 10 Km from San Cristóbal de Las Casas, same as San Juan Chamula, in the sacred space
mentioned by the surrounding hills in the small valley and the group with San Lorenzo church —colonial originated and remodeled
at XX century, at neoclassic San Cristóbal— and the small chapels of San Sebastián and Esquipulas, Zinacantán, ancient tributary of
the central Mexico cultures; a proof id the community name, Náhuatl origin named the Bat house, as well as traditional bride,
Teotihuacan influence.
Aztecs created a commercial center, to seek precious items, like quetzal feathers, the amber, Jaguar hide
and other. Zinacantán was conquered in 1486 by the Aztecs during Moctezuma Xocoyotzin kingdom.
Zinacantán colored landscape, one of the most photographed community; their inhabitants are worker men, the main activity is
flowers and vegetable crops for internal consumption; the vestments give a singular beauty and picturesque plate. Zinacantán is
located at 2,100 meters sea level and has 30,042 inhabitants.
Historical monuments
· Templo de San Lorenzo ·
This church from Chiapas Dominico order, since 1546, with the built Santo Domingo church, based on cane, hay, poles
and adobe. At the same time Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas delivered the church to the church, on behalf as loan, his library
and jewels, including two big clocks.
Presently aisle walls are decorated with embedded columns Corinthian style, keystone
decorated arches ; the mud losica floor, triumph arch, half point and decorated, sustained on neoclassic pilaster.
The aisle was covered with painted contemporary wilted with geometrical designs. Main Altar contains a neoclassic lines retable,
has side chapel whose roof has hide knuckles tied. This church, as opposed to San Juan Chamula, celebrates masses for the
Santo Patrono located in the very decorated with regional flowers array, main altar, in this community.
· Templo de San Sebastián ·
Small and rudimentary XVIII century construction; there are two legends about the church foundation; they said that saint
appeared as an army officer, the King wanted him to marry his daughter, but San Sebastián refused and left, the King soldiers
chased him as far as Zinacantán, where he was killed with arrows.
It is said that the saint was buried where the church is located now.
The frontispiece presents an entrance with half point arch, an eight sided eye, two side battlements and belfry as a main wall.
The architectural floor is one aisle with wooden stairs to the chorus.
The cover keeps a wilted sky, the floor is of pasted mosaic and a wide base altar partially covered with glazed tile.
This church is very important to Zinacantán Indians, because of the celebration from January 18 to 20, since they believe t
hat the church was built in three days by the saint, and not by men.
Handcrafts
Zinacantán is famous for its colorful handcrafts, made of fabrics or mud, like rugs, blouses, floral motifs tablecloths, bride traditional huipiles made of cotton thread and geese feathers, of Teotihuacan influence, all of them woven in loom, as used I the prehispanish period.
Ethnics group
Tzotziles.
How to get there?
From San Cristóbal de Las Casas take the highway leading to San Juan Chamula, just in Km 9 take the detour to arrive at Zinacantán.
Services
Guided tours in several languages are daily organized from San Cristóbal de Las Casas to this community.
Travel hints
During the visit to the community these rules must be followed:
· It is necessary to pay a small fee in the municipality tourism office, in order to enter San Lorenzo church.
· It is forbidden to take photographs in the church interior, as well as rituals and processions.
· Bring clothes for cold weathe
Places nearby
San Cristóbal de Las Casas, San Juan Chamula and the handcrafts Nachig community.
Festivities
Fiesta de San Sebastián is made January 18 to 21, with important acts, masses, ceremonial rituals, autochthon dances and processions.
Contact
Para mayor información es aconsejable visitar la delegación de Turismo de esa ciudad:
Av. Miguel Hidalgo No. 1 Local “B”
Tel: (967) 67 865-70, 67 814-67.
or dial 01 800-280-3500
