Tlaxcala in Mexico

About the town of Tlaxcala in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico

By Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca (flickr.com) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Tlaxcala is approximately 2 hours away from Mexico city but when you arrive you will feel like you are days away. Tlaxcala is a rural colonial town with beautifully restored haciendas. The weather in Tlaxcala is pleasant making it ideal for visits any time of the year. Tlaxcala was named the safest city in Mexico with almost non esistence of any crime which will help you be worry free during your trip.

History of Tlaxcala

Archaeological evidence reveals the presence of human life in Tlaxcala as far back as 10,000 B.C. when nomadic hunters and gatherers roamed the region. The first people to settle in this land were the Quinametin. Then in 1519 the Spanish conquistador Herman Cortes fought and subdued the Tlaxcaltecas. During the years of Mexico's Independence Tlaxcala’s status changed several times. Due to the town's size and limited economic production critics argued that the region should not be a separate state. In 1823 the state of Puebla tried unsuccessfully to annex Tlaxcala. Tlaxcala was another city caught up in Mexico’s 19th century political and social instability and Tlaxcala’s proximity to the nations capital caused it to feel the effects more directly. Conflicts between federalists and centralist's and later between conservatives and liberals hindered the states economic development and subjected it to various military confrontations.

The presidency of Benito Juarez (a Oaxacan) that began in 1867 initiated a period of stability that helped Tlaxcala emerge as a commercial center that specialized in textiles. Today Tlaxcala’s main crops are corn, alfalfa, squash, lettuce, barley, wheat, potatoes, lima beans and maguey cactus. About 28 percent of the states economy derives from textiles.

Tourism in Tlaxcala

By Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Tlaxcala is the home of one of the countries most lavish carnivals. The festival begins with a colorful parade of dancers floats and dance groups. The crowning of the carnival queen is followed by two colorful parades full of floats, costumes, masks, music, shapes and colors. The streets are flooded with group dances, craft sales, traditional cuisine and fireworks. It is a true explosion of tradition. During the closing ceremony of the festival the head of each group carries a cross on his back, which he then places on the altar of the church, stands before it and says a couple of prayers. Once the prayers come to an end catrines gather to stage a dance to the music played by bands.

While you are visiting this small town it is suggested that you take a walk to enjoy some of its beautiful landscapes and beautiful waterfalls, creeks and slopes. As with most Mexican towns the food in Tlaxcala is wonderful. They range from simple on the go menus to complex dishes. For those more interested in outdoor activities, Tlaxcala does not disappoint with the help of great weather, national parks in the area. Tlaxcala has activities such as camping, hiking and rock climbing. Cacaxtla is an archaeological site located in Tlxcala and is also internationally known site due to the quality of it’s mural paintings. Lodging is similar to most towns with small boutique hotels to larger options.

Travel information

Airport: Mexico City International Airport
Address: Av Capitan Carlos León S/N, Venustiano Carranza, Peñón de los Baños, 15620 Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
Local phone number: +52 55 2482 2400

Is a passport or travel visa required? This depends on your nationality and your country of origin. We recommend that you check with your travel agent or Mexican Consulate in your area to know what documents you need to travel to Tlaxcala Mexico.

About the town of Tlaxcala in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico

History of Tlaxcala

Tourism in Tlaxcala

Travel information

You may also like to view

Other colonial towns