Apizaco, Mexico
Region: Tlaxcala
Geographic Coordinates: 19.416700, -98.133300
Climate: Data not available.
Population: 81565
Language: Spanish
Apizaco is a vibrant city located in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico. Situated at an altitude of 7, 874 feet (2, 400 meters) above sea level, It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and is known for its pleasant climate year-round. With a rich history dating back to pre-Hispanic times, Apizaco has much to offer in terms of culture, Architecture, And natural beauty. One of the highlights of Apizaco is its historical center. The main square, Known as Parque Juarez or Jardín Hidalgo, Is a bustling hub where locals and visitors gather.
It features beautiful gardens adorned with colorful flowers and towering trees that provide shade on sunny days. The park also boasts several statues paying homage to important figures in Mexican history. Walking through the streets surrounding Parque Juarez reveals an array of well-preserved colonial buildings that showcase impressive architectural styles from different eras. One notable example is the San Antonio Church with its stunning façade adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors. Another must-visit spot is the Municipal Palace which houses a museum displaying artifacts from Apizaco’s past.
For nature enthusiasts, Apizaco offers numerous outdoor activities thanks to its proximity to natural wonders such as La Malintzin National Park. This protected area encompasses over 46 square miles (120 square kilometers) and features diverse ecosystems ranging from pine forests to alpine meadows. Hiking trails wind through this picturesque landscape leading visitors up towards La Malinche volcano’s summit at 14, 636 feet (4, 461 meters). From there you can enjoy panoramic views stretching across valleys and neighboring towns. The city also hosts various cultural events throughout the year that showcase local traditions and artistic expressions.
One such event is Feria de Huamantla held in nearby Huamantla town during August where visitors can witness impressive floral carpets adorning the streets, Traditional dances, And bullfighting. Additionally, Apizaco’s Carnival is a vibrant celebration filled with colorful parades, Music, And dancing that takes place in February. Apizaco’s gastronomy is another aspect worth exploring. The city boasts a wide array of traditional dishes such as mole Tlaxcalteca (a rich sauce made from chili peppers and chocolate), Cecina (thinly sliced salted beef), And barbacoa (slow-cooked meat).
These culinary delights can be savored in local restaurants or at the Mercado Municipal where vendors offer fresh produce, Spices, And homemade delicacies. Apizaco is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking an authentic Mexican experience. Its blend of history, Culture, Natural beauty, And warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the heart of Mexico. Whether exploring its colonial architecture or venturing into the surrounding landscapes for outdoor adventures – Apizaco promises an unforgettable journey through time and tradition.
- Plaza de Toros Rodolfo Rodríguez El Pana – This bullring is named after the renowned Mexican bullfighter Rodolfo Rodríguez, known as El Pana. It hosts bullfighting events and is an important cultural attraction.
- Parroquia de Santa María de la Asunción – This beautiful church is one of the main architectural highlights in Apizaco. Its construction dates back to the 16th century and features a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles.
- Museo Regional de Tlaxcala – Located just outside Apizaco, this museum showcases the history, culture, and art of the region. It houses archaeological artifacts from different periods, including pre-Hispanic pieces.
- Ex-Convento Franciscano San Luis Obispo – Situated in nearby Huamantla (a town close to Apizaco), this former Franciscan convent dates back to the 16th century. It has beautiful architecture with intricate details on its facade.
- Zoológico del Altiplano – A zoo located near Apizaco that houses various animal species native to Mexico’s highlands (altiplano). Visitors can see animals like jaguars, pumas, eagles, monkeys, among others.
- Parque Nacional La Malinche – Although not directly within Apizaco but close by (around 20 km away), La Malinche National Park offers stunning natural landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features hiking trails up to La Malinche volcano’s summit at 4,461 meters above sea level.
These are just a few of the main landmarks and attractions in Apizaco. The city also offers local markets, parks, and plazas where visitors can experience the local culture and enjoy traditional food.
- Manufacturing: Apizaco has a strong manufacturing sector with various industries such as automotive, textile, food processing, and electronics. The city hosts several manufacturing plants and factories that produce goods for both domestic and international markets.
- Agriculture: Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of Apizaco. The region is known for cultivating crops like corn, beans, wheat, barley, fruits (such as apples and peaches), and vegetables.
- Retail: Apizaco has a thriving retail sector with numerous small businesses catering to the local population’s needs. There are various shops selling clothing, groceries, electronics, home appliances, furniture etc.
- Services: As a commercial hub in the region, Apizaco offers a wide range of services such as banking and finance institutions (including branches of major Mexican banks), healthcare facilities (hospitals and clinics), education institutions (schools and universities), transportation services (buses and taxis), hospitality industry (hotels) etc.
- Tourism: While not as prominent as other industries mentioned above but growing steadily over time due to its historical sites like the Ex-Convento de San Luis Obispo or recreational areas like Parque Nacional La Malintzi located nearby.
Overall economic activities in Apizaco are diverse but primarily centered around manufacturing & agriculture sectors while also providing essential services to support local businesses’ needs.
- Battle of Apizaco (1863): During the French intervention in Mexico, the Battle of Apizaco took place on April 28, 1863. Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza successfully repelled French troops under General Elie-Frédéric Forey, marking an important victory for Mexican resistance against foreign occupation.
- Industrialization: In the late 19th century, Apizaco became an important industrial center due to its strategic location and railway connections. Textile mills and factories were established in the city, leading to economic growth and urban development.
- Emiliano Zapata: The renowned Mexican revolutionary leader Emiliano Zapata is associated with Apizaco as he visited the city during his military campaigns in central Mexico during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). Zapata’s agrarian reform movement aimed to reclaim land for peasants and indigenous communities.
- Tlaxcala State Government: Apizaco serves as one of the main administrative centers for Tlaxcala state government since its establishment in 1857 when Tlaxcala became a separate state from Mexico City.
- Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia: This religious sanctuary located in Apizaco is considered one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in Mexico due to its venerated image of Our Lady of Mercy (Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia).
- José María Morelos y Pavón Monument: A monument dedicated to José María Morelos y Pavón, one of Mexico’s national heroes who fought for independence from Spain during the early 19th century can be found in downtown Apizaco.
These events and figures have contributed significantly to shaping both local history and national identity in Mexico.
- Museo de Arte de Apizaco: A museum dedicated to contemporary and modern art, showcasing works by local and national artists.
- Ex-Convento Franciscano de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción: A historic convent that dates back to the 16th century, featuring beautiful architecture and religious artifacts.
- Parque Cuauhtémoc: A central park in Apizaco where you can relax, enjoy the greenery, and take a leisurely stroll.
- Monumento a la Bandera: A monument dedicated to the Mexican flag located in the city center, representing national pride and history.
- Templo del Calvario: A stunning church known for its intricate architecture and religious significance.
- Casa del Artesano Tlaxcalteca: An artisanal center where you can find traditional crafts made by local artisans, including textiles, ceramics, woodwork, and more.
- Parroquia San José Obrero: Another beautiful church known for its unique architectural style and historical importance.
- Zoológico Y Albergue Fauna Silvestre De Tlaxcala (ZOFA): Located just outside of Apizaco in Tlaxcala city, this zoo houses various species of wildlife native to Mexico’s ecosystems.
- Plaza de Toros Jorge Aguilar El Ranchero: If you’re interested in bullfighting or want to experience an authentic Mexican cultural event, visit this bullring during the season for exciting performances.
- Grutas Cacahuamilpa National Park (located nearby): Although not within Apizaco itself but close enough for a day trip (~2 hours’ drive), this park boasts impressive limestone caves with stunning stalactite formations that are worth exploring.
- Deportivo Tlaxcala: This football (soccer) team is based in Tlaxcala but represents the entire state, including Apizaco. It was founded in 2005 and has participated in various leagues such as Liga Premier de Ascenso and Liga de Balompié Mexicano.
- Coyotes de Apizaco: The Coyotes de Apizaco is a basketball team that competes in the Circuito de Baloncesto de la Costa del Pacífico (CIBACOPA). They were founded in 2016 and have been representing Apizaco since then.
- Lobos ITECA: Lobos ITECA is a volleyball team from Apizaco that competes at both regional and national levels. They participate in tournaments organized by Federación Mexicana de Voleibol (FMVB) and other local leagues.
- Jaguares Rugby Club: While rugby may not be as popular as football or basketball, Jaguares Rugby Club represents Apizaco’s participation in this sport at regional levels.
It’s worth noting that while these teams represent or have represented Apizaco, they might also include players from neighboring cities or states depending on their respective league requirements.
- Feria de Apizaco: This is the most important festival in Apizaco, held annually in February. It includes parades, traditional dances, music performances, bullfights, and a wide variety of food stalls.
- Semana Santa: Holy Week is celebrated with religious processions and ceremonies throughout the city. Visitors can witness traditional reenactments of the Passion of Christ.
- Fiesta del Señor de las Angustias: Celebrated in September, this festival honors the patron saint of Apizaco with religious processions, fireworks displays, live music performances, and dance competitions.
- Festival Internacional Títeres y Marionetas (International Puppet Festival): Held annually in October or November, this festival brings together puppeteers from around the world to showcase their art through puppet shows and workshops.
- Feria del Maíz (Corn Fair): Celebrated every August or September to honor corn as a staple crop in Mexican culture. The fair features exhibitions on corn cultivation techniques, culinary contests using corn-based dishes like tamales and tortillas.
- Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): A significant Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd to honor deceased loved ones with colorful altars adorned with marigolds and offerings such as food and drinks for their spirits.
- Carnaval de Apizaco: This carnival takes place before Lent each year with lively parades featuring floats decorated by local organizations along with dancers wearing vibrant costumes.
These are just some examples of cultural events that take place in Apizaco throughout the year; however, it’s always recommended to check for specific dates as they may vary from year to year.
- Barbacoa de Borrego: This is a traditional dish of slow-cooked lamb, often served with tortillas, salsa, and avocado.
- Tacos al Pastor: These are marinated pork tacos cooked on a vertical spit and served with pineapple, cilantro, and onions.
- Cemitas Poblanas: A sandwich made with a sesame seed bun filled with ingredients like breaded meat (such as milanesa), avocado, cheese, chipotle sauce, and papalo herb.
- Mole Poblano: A rich sauce made from various chili peppers combined with chocolate or cocoa powder; it is typically served over chicken or turkey.
- Chiles en Nogada: A dish consisting of poblano peppers stuffed with ground meat and topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds.
As for restaurants in Apizaco:
-
El Rincón del Sabor: Known for its traditional Mexican dishes such as mole poblano and barbacoa de borrego.
Address: Calle 16 de Septiembre 201-A -
La Casa del Mole Apizaquense: Specializes in different types of mole sauces along with other Mexican dishes.
Address: Calle Manuel Ávila Camacho 1008 -
Taquería Los Primos Apizaco: Famous for its delicious tacos al pastor.
Address: Boulevard Emilio Sánchez Piedras No 605 -
Fonda Doña Chonita: Offers authentic Mexican home-style cooking including cemitas poblanas.
Address: Calle Juan Aldama 105-C -
Restaurante Las Cazuelitas de Tlaxcala – Apizaco Branch: Serves traditional Tlaxcalan cuisine such as barbacoa de borrego.
Address: Boulevard Emilio Sánchez Piedras 1003
These are just a few examples, and there are many more local cuisine options and restaurants to explore in Apizaco, Mexico.
- Parque Juárez: A popular park in the heart of Apizaco, offering walking paths, green spaces, playgrounds for children, and benches to relax.
- Parque Morelos: Located near the city center, this park features a large fountain, statues of historical figures, a basketball court, and shaded areas for picnics.
- Parque Cuauhtémoc: Situated in the downtown area of Apizaco, this park offers a skatepark where visitors can enjoy skateboarding or rollerblading.
- Centro Recreativo La Trinidad: This recreational center is located on the outskirts of Apizaco and offers various activities such as swimming pools with slides and diving boards, soccer fields, basketball courts, picnic areas with grills for barbecues.
- Bosque de las Águilas: A forested area located near Apizaco that provides opportunities for hiking and nature walks amidst beautiful landscapes.
- Cinemex Apizaco: A modern cinema complex where visitors can enjoy the latest movies.
- Museo Regional de Tlaxcala (located nearby): This museum showcases archaeological artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of Tlaxcala state.
These are just a few examples of parks and recreational activities available in Apizaco; there may be more options depending on personal preferences or specific events happening at any given time.
