Listen closely to the tale of Jilotzingo. It is a municipality steeped in history and natural beauty. Jilotzingo’s name comes from Nahuatl. It means “place where Xilonen is venerated”. Xilonen was the goddess of maize.
Jilotzingo is one of the oldest areas around. The Otomi people first inhabited it. The area’s rich forests and springs made it ideal. It also provided for raising livestock. Santa María Mazatla was once known for its deer. Sadly they disappeared over time. Today Jilotzingo is still known for its forests. Visitors explore the area and discover its flora and fauna.
Jilotzingo lies to the northeast of Mexico State’s capital. It is west of Mexico City. The town sits high in the Monte Alto mountains. This range continues north forming the Sierra de las Cruces. The terrain slopes downward to the east. Mountains reach up to 3600 meters to the west.
The most important stream is the Río de Santa Ana. It becomes the Río la Colmena. This river starts in Santa Ana. It flows into Atizapán. Then it joins Nicolás Romero. Finally, it adds to the Río Cuautitlán.
Jilotzingo boasts diverse flora. You will find pine and ocote trees here. There are also ash, cedar and willow trees. Other plants include oyamel and madroño. Fruit trees thrive in the cold climate. These include apple, plum, and peach trees. Farmers grow maize, beans and wheat.
In the past Jilotzingo had more wildlife. Deer roamed these mountains once. Now the fauna is reduced. You might spot rabbits and squirrels. Other animals include weasels and armadillos. Birds like owls and doves inhabit the area. Insects such as butterflies and beetles are also common.
Jilotzingo has unique traditions. In San Luis Ayucan during Holy Week people dress in red. Red represents the devil. They wear masks and carry whips. They play pranks on the Saturday before Easter. They soak people with water.
In 2010 Jilotzingo had 17970 residents. San Luis Ayucan is the largest town. Santa María Mazatla is another significant town. Jilotzingo is divided into pueblos and barrios. There are also ejidos and ranches.
Jilotzingo is more than just a location. It is a living story etched into the land. It echoes with the voices of the Otomi. It whispers through the forests. The spirit of Xilonen lives on in Jilotzingo.