Is it possible that the church before you carries the legacy of a people who once offered fine necklaces to their gods? This is Santa Úrsula Xitla. It is a living testament to Mexico City’s rich pre Hispanic past. This pueblo originario in the Tlalpan borough boasts a history stretching back centuries.
Santa Úrsula Xitla began as Tochico. The settlement predates the arrival of the Spanish. Its roots lie with the Tepaneca people. They were an indigenous group with Náhuatl as their mother tongue. They settled in the Valley of Mexico between the 11th and 12th centuries.
Tochico’s strategic location became significant. It was positioned amid conflicts between the Tepanecas and the Xochimilcas. This affected the Tepaneca people. The name Tochico offers two possible Náhuatl translations. One suggests “place of fine necklaces”. It references the craftsmanship of the people. They created ornaments from tree resin. The other interpretation means “place of rabbits”. It is derived from the word “tochihuitl”.
In 1544, Franciscan friars arrived. They initiated the area’s evangelization. The town was renamed Santa Úrsula. It became a dependency of San Agustín de las Cuevas. A popular festival emerged on October 21. By the late 18th century, Santa Úrsula gained recognition as a pueblo in its own right.
The nearby Xitle Volcano influenced a name change around 1791. The town became Santa Úrsula Xitla. The Temple of Santa Úrsula Xitla y San José stands as a symbol of faith. It also embodies the community’s resilience. The Franciscans likely built a smaller chapel. The newer temple was dedicated to the Virgin and Martyr Saint Ursula. It retains elements of the earlier structure.
Local lore says the church’s indigenous members crafted the image of the Virgin Santa Úrsula Mártir. They also created the Santo Cristo de Xitla soon after the fall of Tenochtitlán. The sculptures are made of wood and cane paste. They are important artistic treasures. The church also cares for the Calvary Chapel. It is located in the Barrio Originario. This is north of the Parish Church.
Barrio Calvario holds historical importance. It is believed to be an essential site for the Tepaneca population. It may have been the first settlement in Tochico. The current chapel stands on the site of a chapel from 1531. It has been rebuilt several times. Santa Úrsula Xitla is more than an ancient town. It is a vibrant community. Its people proudly preserve their heritage amidst a modern city. The annual festival remains a significant event. It reflects the town’s enduring spirit. Today, Santa Úrsula Xitla offers a unique glimpse into Mexico’s past. It displays the blending of indigenous traditions and colonial influences. It is a place where the echoes of ancient civilizations resonate.