Did you know Los Reyes Hueytilac is one of Coyoacán’s original settlements? Its history stretches back millennia. The neighborhood’s name Hueytilac means in the great black waters. This ancient name reminds us of the area’s deep roots. Artifacts found here date as far back as 2400 to 200 B.C.E. This era is contemporary with early settlements in Cuicuilco and Copilco.
Los Reyes Hueytilac was an important zone for chinampas. These floating gardens were used to grow crops. You can still see similar gardens in Xochimilco and Tláhuac today. Imagine farmers carefully cultivating their plots on the water.
During the colonial period Los Reyes was known for religious fervor. Celebrations centered on the Parroquia de los Santos Reyes y el Señor de la Misericordia. The Holy Kings and Lord of Mercy Church began as an open-air chapel. It was called Templo de los Santos Reyes. This temple was completed in the 16th century.
The church was built over a pre-Hispanic ceremonial space. This space had a small covered area and a stage. It was used for receiving crowds. In the 18th century the chapel was modified. These changes reflected the Baroque style of the time. It became part of a larger complex. Outdoor services continued into the 20th century.
Between 1943 and 1954 the church saw thorough remodeling. Inside you can see stained glass windows. They depict Saint Ana Saint Joaquin and Saint Joseph. Other windows show the Virgin Mary the Lord Jesus Saint Martha Saint Peter and Saint Paul. A painting by Joannes de Meza from 1727 depicts the Adoration of the Kings. The church also holds a Señor de las Misericordias figure. It is made of wood and corn paste and is highly regarded.
Los Reyes Hueytilac church is famous for its entryway floral arches. Churches in Coyoacán have long competed to create the most attractive arches. The winding streets of Los Reyes add to its charm. It is a fascinating village within Mexico City. This unique place could never be recreated today.
The people of Los Reyes have a strong sense of tradition. They celebrate their festivals with dedication. Legends traditions and organizations thrive here. Mayordomos are key to preserving the town’s social and cultural structure. The Fiesta del Señor de las Misericordias is the biggest event of the year. Mayordomías organize the celebrations. Neighbors prepare food together following specific rules.
The fiesta includes tamales prepared with special care. Tradition says that whoever starts making the tamales must finish them. No one else can touch the preparation. If they do the tamales will not cook evenly. To ensure success some even throw chili seeds into the fire. They shout insults at the tamales.
The Fiesta del Señor de las Misericordias takes place on the first Sunday of September. It is a regional celebration. Various towns participate including Xoco and Santa Cruz Atoyac. Months before the celebration the image of the Señor de las Misericordias visits these towns. Each town welcomes the image with a local fiesta. The image stays for a week. A procession accompanies each visit through the city streets.
The last visit is to La Candelaria a neighbor of Los Reyes. On the day of the fiesta residents of La Candelaria and Los Reyes create a flower carpet. This carpet marks the boundary between the two towns. It is used for the ceremony of the image’s handover. All the towns that the Señor de las Misericordias visited attend. Each brings their patron saint on a platform. After the ceremony everyone joins a procession to the Los Reyes church. A mass and a popular festival celebrate the arrival of the Señor de las Misericordias.
So, as you wander these streets remember the deep history and vibrant traditions of Los Reyes Hueytilac. It is a place where the past and present intertwine. It is a unique and unforgettable part of Mexico City.