How did the place among the tule trees become a bustling town? That is what we will explore today in Santiago Tulyehualco. This town is one of the original settlements in Xochimilco. It stands as a testament to ancient agricultural practices.
Santiago Tulyehualco’s history stretches back centuries. Its Nahuatl name means “place among the tule trees”. It was likely founded around 1181 by the Xochimilca people. They settled on the northern slopes of the Teuhtli Volcano.
By 1409, seven Mexica families had taken control of Malacaxtepec Momoxco. This increased Santiago Tulyehualco’s importance. It became the point where Cuitlahuac II’s dikes met land. The dike separated the salty waters of Lake Chalco. This ensured the Xochimilco lake remained fresh. This dike also served as a causeway. A major canal ran along this causeway. In colonial times, it was a key route to Tlaltenco.
Here in Santiago Tulyehualco, tradition meets modern life. Traditional farming coexists with contemporary ways. Families here have successfully blended old and new methods. Their amaranth farming is a prime example. They use ancestral knowledge with today’s techniques. This unique blend helps them thrive. It offers a model for sustainable development.
These families grow amaranto. It is also known as huautli. This crop has great economic and social importance since pre-Hispanic times. The Florentine Codex shows illustrations of amaranth harvests. It depicts both young plants for greens and mature plants for seeds. The Matrícula de Tributos and the Codex Mendoza also feature amaranth. These documents show it stored like maize, chia, and beans. It was used for storage and as tribute for the Triple Alliance.
Santiago Tulyehualco has two main farming areas. One is the El Ejido plain with chinampas. Unfortunately, the canals here are polluted. The second area is on the slopes of the Teuhtli volcano. This area has small farms. Access is difficult because of the steep terrain. Water, soil, and air pollution are big issues. The mountain area is now called the Zona de Conservación Ecológica Teuhtli.
Santiago Tulyehualco gave its spring and canal water to Mexico City. In return, the city built access routes for them. Santiago Tulyehualco was among the first to get drainage in 1948. Public lighting soon followed. A tram service started in 1908. It ran for 12 kilometers but stopped in 1947. It mainly transported workers and materials. These were needed to build the aqueduct.
Santiago Tulyehualco’s population grew. Migrants came from Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Puebla. This urban sprawl put pressure on farmland. Today, the center is a commercial hub. People from other towns come here on their way to the city. Amaranth farming families use this to sell their goods.
Today, Santiago Tulyehualco is known for its annual festivals. The Festival of Alegria & Oliva happens each February. It celebrates amaranth and olives. Another one celebrates ice cream and sorbet in April. Both take place around the town market and Parque Tulyehualco.
As you explore Santiago Tulyehualco, remember its history. It is a place where ancient traditions meet modern life. The festivals, the amaranth farming, and the community spirit make it special. It is Santiago Tulyehualco at its finest, a vibrant blend of past and present.