Remembered for its position next to strong streams, Santiago Zapotitlán awaits. This town in Mexico City is more than just a location. It is a story etched in stone and celebrated with lights. Founded around 1435 by the Cuitlahuaca people, Santiago Zapotitlán stands as one of Tláhuac’s original settlements.
Zapotitlán means “among the zapote trees” in Nahuatl. While zapote trees may not dominate the landscape today, the name echoes a connection to nature. Long before the Cuitlahuaca people arrived, this land was inhabited. Artifacts dating back to 100 BCE tell tales of early settlements. Toltec peoples once thrived here. They called this place Techichco meaning “between the breasts of stone”. This name references the Xaltepec and Tetecon volcanoes. They resemble a woman’s breasts from afar. These early inhabitants worshipped Quetzalcoatl. The feathered serpent god remained relevant for centuries.
Santiago Zapotitlán is divided into colonias. These correspond to colonial-era neighborhoods. Each centers around the Templo de Santiago Zapotitlán. The former atrium is now Plaza Juárez. The town is at the foot of the Xaltepec volcano. It sits on the edge of the Sierra de Santa Catarina. Santiago Zapotitlán is also the most populated part of Tláhuac. About 76000 people live here.
The town is famous for its festivals. The annual Festival of Lights and Music stands out. Huge fireworks displays light up the February sky. The carnaval also is relevant. It is one of the town’s oldest traditions. The town is divided into seven barrios. They are Santiago Sur, Centro and Norte. Santa Ana Sur, Centro and Norte plus Santa Ana Poniente also belong to it. Colonia la Conchita Zapotitlán is included too.
Hernán Cortés passed through Santiago Zapotitlán in 1519. His goal was Iztapalapa and Mexico-Tenochtitlan. In 1525, Fray Martín de Valencia founded the town of Santiago. He added Zapotitlán as its “surname.” The Spanish conquest brought evangelization. The native beliefs were confronted. Later, the process of absorbing pre-Hispanic divinities began. They integrated them with Christian saints. Santiago became the town’s patron saint. The location of the Catholic temple was chosen carefully. It was placed in the middle of the two calpullis. This was likely the same spot as the pre-Hispanic temple.
According to colonial maps, Zapotitlán had two churches. One was dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. The other was dedicated to Señora Santa Ana. The first temple was built in 1535. It was finished in 1541 using perishable materials. A second temple was built in 1641. It lacked bell towers. Instead, a thick wall supported the bells. Its atrium served as a cemetery until 1927. This temple initially had one nave. Later, two more were added. The temple was declared a colonial and national monument. This happened on August 5, 1933. In 1938, the town agreed to demolish it. Construction of the current temple began in 1939. It was completed in 1941. It was named Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción. The temple is built of tezontle. This was extracted from the Xaltepec volcano. It features a baroque style. A wooden sculpture of Santiago is inside. It dates back to the 17th century. Its author is anonymous. The sculpture is 2.20 meters tall and 1.60 meters wide.
The cosmovisión of Santiago is unique. It is a blend of Mesoamerican beliefs and Spanish influences. The town was originally divided into two barrios. Cihuatlampa meant “poniente” or west. Tlapcopa meant “naciente” or east. With the arrival of the Spanish, they became Santa Ana to the west and Santiago to the east.
The traditions of Santiago Zapotitlán thrive. Twenty-three mayordomías keep them alive. Twelve are from the Barrio de Santa Ana. Eleven are from the Barrio de Santiago. They plan and organize religious festivals. The Fiestas Patronales celebrate “Lights and Music.” They take place during the week of February 5. This honors the Señor de las Misericordias. Celebrations also happen in July. These honor Santiago Apóstol and Señora Santa Ana.
The story of Santiago Zapotitlán is a tapestry. It is woven with ancient roots and colonial threads. It is a vibrant present. As you stand here, remember the echoes of the past. Hear the rhythm of the festivals. Feel the spirit of a people who honor their heritage.