Iglesia de Santo Tomás Chiconautla

“A beacon of faith, rising from the heart of Ecatepec”. That’s the Iglesia de Santo Tomás Chiconautla. Let’s step back in time to the 16th century. Santo Tomás Chiconautla wasn’t just a name. It was a powerful pre-Columbian Acolhua dominion, a hub of political influence and trade. The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors changed everything. The people of Santo Tomás Chiconautla resisted fiercely. This resistance led to their decline in power. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a symbol of hope emerged. Franciscan friars built the Iglesia de Santo Tomás Chiconautla, dedicating it to St. Thomas the Apostle. The church became a spiritual anchor for the community. Today, this 16th-century church still stands as a testament to resilience and faith. It serves as both a parish and a vicariate. It continues to celebrate its patron saint, St. Thomas the Apostle, as well as the Divine Redeemer. These festivals, held on December 21st and July 15th, are a vibrant spectacle of fireworks, artistic performances, traditional dances, carnival rides, and local crafts and food. The main square comes alive with music, and sacred concerts fill the church atrium. Sometimes, even the Secretary of the Navy Orchestra graces the occasion with a grand performance. Inside the church, you’ll find a remarkable treasure. The Cristo Divino Redentor, a 1.84-meter-tall, 17th-century sculpture made of pasta de caña, stands with outstretched arms, spanning 1.72 meters. This delicate artwork has faced its own trials. In 2019, a well-intentioned but unqualified individual attempted to restore the sculpture, causing significant damage to its painted surface. Thankfully, a team of specialists from the INAH intervened. After three years of meticulous work, they restored the Cristo Divino Redentor to its former glory. Imagine the joy of the community as they welcomed back their beloved Cristo. The Iglesia de Santo Tomás Chiconautla is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to history, faith, and the enduring spirit of a community.