Introduction
With more than 60,500 inhabitants and 406 meters over the sea level,
Chiapa de Corzo is a historical city, located on the right margin of Rio Grande or
Grijalva. Its strategic position gave rise to an early conquest that dates from 1400 B.C.
The Chiapanecas (Ethnic group of Chiapas) had first contact with the Spaniards in
1524 when the expedition leaded by Luis Marin arrived, also in 1528 with the conquest
of Diego de Mazariegos.
After the Spanish conquest, Chiapa became a small town and
then it turned to be a direct dependant of the Spanish crown, this is the reason why it
received the name of Chiapa de la Real Corona (Chiapa of the Royal Crown). The first
element of the cultural patrimony of Chiapa is its geometric form, which was created in
the mayor square where urban elements were located (fountain, municipal hall,
commerce sites and temples) and during the first two centuries of the colony the
population grew.
The portals constructed in the XVIII Century surround the square, the
Municipal government building and the house of Don Angel Albino Corzo. Also, we can
find "la pochota" sacred tree that relates directly to the tradition of the foundation of the
city and the clock tower, constructed in the 50’s of the XX Century.
Description
In the margins of Grijalva river, the first city founded by the Spaniards in Chiapas is built, and it is called Chiapa de Corzo, this is a colonial city of the XVI Century filled with color, history, tradition and culture; also it contains the tenderness of its people and its beautiful constructions such as the majestic colonial fountain based on mudejar style and the Dominic group of buildings.
Historical monuments
· Colonial fountain ·
Mudejar style, constructed in the middle of the XVI Century with bricks carved in
diamond form based on morisque art style.
· Temple and ex-convent of Santo
Domingo ·
Architecture work that shows the splendor of the XVI Century, with gothic and
neoclassic expressions; besides all this, it possesses one of the biggest bells in the
country in its main tower. The ex-Convent is next to the temple, and has been restored
as an exhibit room. Exhibits show the artistic manifestations of people who are proud of
their customs and traditions.
· Calvario Church ·
This church is a building of the XVII Century, it has been restored with neo gothic forms
from the beginning of last century. There is a wood embossment inside that was part of
the Santo Domingo church.
· San Sebastian ruins ·
This is a construction from the XVII Century located in the San Gregorio hill, whose
existence brings out the economical and demographic importance of the city in the
colonial times. It had a base with three separated blocks; the only thing that remains is
its front wall where you can find mudejar, renaissance and baroque elements.
Museums
· Museo de la Laca (Lac Museum) ·
This space is dedicated to this beautiful handcraft belonging to the site; here we can
appreciate pieces from the colonial times and even contest winner pieces.
· Casa Museo Angel Albino Corzo.
...You cannot miss!
For any visitor who really wants to know Chiapa de Corzo you should not miss the
following recommendations:
·Tour in the Majestic Sumidero Cannon.
·Visit the handcraft stores in the portals.
·Visit the Casa Museo of Don Angel Albino
Corzo
·Visit the Chorreadero waterfall
·Visit the archaeological zone
·Taste a delicious pozol (beverage)
·And stop by some of the restaurants of
Chiapaneca food.
Gastronomy
Talking about the Chiapaneca gastronomy will be too much a
generalization, because Chiapas is a state that has several weather zones and
different people, so the gastronomy changes from region to region.
The gastronomy of Chiapa de Corzo includes the
cochinito horneado (cooked hog) that is made of pork
with different condiments; its cooking process is made in clay ovens.
Another kind of
dish is the one called Comida Grande (Great food) that is given in the San Sebastian
festivities on January, it is made with cow salty meat that is cooked with a special
sauce made of pumpkin pip (pepita), tomatoes and achiote; this dish is eaten with rice
soup. The typical candy of the region can not be omitted, such as the suspiros
(breaths), the chimbos and the puxinu, and the delicious beverage, the pozol.
Handcrafts
Chiapa de Corzo is one of the cities that keep their handcraft tradition since colonial
times, not to mention the wood carving to manufacture parcahico masks. Also Indian
and Mayan characters are manufactured on wood; and we cannot miss the important
Chiapas musical instrument the marimba.
Other handcraft techniques of great importance is the embroidering in the manufacture
of Chiapaneca outfits and we cannot forget the lac, a technique from colonial times
which is used to paint the jicalpextles, vases and wood figures with natural paint. It is
recommended to visit Chiapa de Corzo to admire these handcraft beauties.
Night Life
The fun is not only to walk through the streets admiring the colonial monuments; also you can enjoy the night life that Tuxtla Gutierrez or San Cristobal de las Casas have, in places where the visitor can take a glass of wine in a ballad mood or even dance at night clubs and bars that have music such as salsa, reggae or techno.
Weather
Because of its altitude and the proximity to the Grijalva river, Chiapa de Corzo has a humid and hot weather most of the year; it rains from July to November.
Ethnic groups
The Chiapas or Chiapanecas settled on the region of Chiapa de Corzo. Also the Zoques settled there, thanks to which we have some information of the culture.
Lodging
For all of those who would like to spend more time in this magical city filled with history and tradition, different lodging choices are offered such as rooms that go from USD$10 to USD$70, always combining the authentic beauty, the enchantment, the luxury, the adventure and the passion of the region; all of this gives as a result a unique and unforgettable experience; enjoyment of original colonial architecture.
Location
It is located in the Central Region I of the state, 15 kms. away from the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez.
How to get there?
Parting from Tuxtla Gutierrez and taking the federal road No. 190 or Pan-American road, only 15 kms away from this city.
Landmarks
Chorreadero waterfall, Sumidero Cannon and Archaeological zone.
Recommendations
The weather is hot, so it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing.
Sites nearby
Tuxtla Gutierrez and San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Festivities
Chiapas is tradion, folklore, dance and most of all marimba music that is played in fairs
and parties that are celebrated all year round in honor of its saints; some sites have
traditions that date back from the colonial times or the ancestral Indian customs, mixing
religious celebrations in Chiapa de Corzo.
From January 15th to 23rd, the San Sebastian Party "Great Party" is celebrated. It is the
last part of the Chiapacorceño festivity cycle in which the Parachicos with masks that
represent the Spaniards and the Chiapanecas dressed in tulle represent the legendary
Doña Maria de Angulo. The Chiapa Party is one of the most spectacular parties in
Mexico.
On October 7th the party of the Calvario Lord takes site; it is a religious and social
mixture because masses are made in honor of their Saint and fair toys are arranged;
popular dances are performed and there are new groups in cultural and sport events.
Contact
To obtain more information, it is advisable to visit the Tourism Department in this city:
Av. Domingo Ruiz N° 1
Tel: (961) 61 61013.
Or dial 01 800-280-3500
