“Eagle Feeder” echoes through the ages. That is just one of the former names of Santa Catarina Yecahuízotl. Today we explore this village.
Santa Catarina Yecahuízotl is not just a name. It is a testament to the endurance of culture. It is located on the far side of the Tetlalmanche volcano in Tláhuac. It is one of Tláhuac’s seven original settlements.
Once called Acatzinco it meant “small field of reeds.” Later, in the Late Postclassic period, it became Cuauhtli Itlacuayan. This translates to “Eagle Feeder”. The name of the saint, Santa Catarina, was added during colonial times. The addition of Yecahuizotl is more debated.
One interpretation describes it as “Nose of the amphibious animal”. This refers to the hill’s shape resembling an amphibian. Others suggest “Land of ants” or “The third branch of the reed road.”
Santa Catarina Yecahuízotl saw consolidation and re-founding. The name Yecahuitzol was added again in 1924. This happened during the post-revolutionary agrarian reforms. Extensive archaeological studies have taken place here. Researchers found the area was occupied since 1500-1150 BCE.
Originally a village on Lake Chalco’s north shore Santa Catarina Yecahuízotl was dedicated to fishing and agriculture. It maintained relations with other riverside populations. Around 1100 CE Tláhuac likely governed it. Today that area is San Pedro Tláhuac.
The town’s patron saint, Santa Catarina, was strategically chosen. Her feast day on November 25 coincided with local deities’ celebrations. Today the village includes La Concepción, San Miguel, Guadalupe, and Santiago neighborhoods. Colonia Ampliación Santa Catarina grew in the 20th century.
The Church of Santa Catarina started construction in 1646. An earlier church existed on the site since 1559. The altarpiece dedicated to Santa Catarina is the best of its kind in the region.
Many visitors explore the Tequesquipa nature reserve. This is part of the Sierra de Santa Catarina. The Plaza del Pueblo also houses an interesting cultural center. This center offers insights into Santa Catarina Yecahuízotl’s recent history. Also don’t miss the Kiosco Yecahuizotl and the rest of the town center.
The Santa Catarina Market is a few blocks north. It is an excellent place for lunch. As you wander through Santa Catarina Yecahuízotl consider its layered past. Each name tells a story. From a small field of reeds to a town under the protection of Santa Catarina Yecahuízotl.