Barrio Santa Cruz in Tepoztlán
Barrio Santa Cruz is the smallest neighborhood of the eight that comprise the center of the Tepoztlán municipality. Nevertheless it has its own distinct customs and traditions. Through a video and many collages of photos, you will see what life is like in the barrio.
If you start at the town center at Avenida Tepozteco and go north towards the pyramid, you will be near the colonies of San Sebastian, Santisima, and Santa Domingo. Turn left one long block before the street becomes the trail to the pyramid and you will be entering Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is bordered by the colonies mentioned, with San Pedro to its east.
Homes and Businesses
There is quite a bit of house construction. Some homes are two stories, with a balcony on the top floor. Many have ornate gates or doors.
Here is a collage showing different business. The central overlay is a sign at a house where the family sells masks for the festivals featuring the danicng Chinelos. Each colonia has its own dance group participating. Here is more about the Chinelos (scroll down). In the collage, starting at the top left, and running counterclockwise you can see first a tortilla shop, then a pub, next a small grocery store, and finally a fruit and vegetable store.
While walking down the street, I saw an entry that was open leading to a small workshop where a craftsman was busily repairing a small object. He kindly gave me permission to take photos of his space and pointed out to me a witch he had crafted, a forerunner to the upcoming Day of the Dead.
Streets and Murals
Here is a collection of street photos. The on on the left shows some decorations. The one on the right is an alley.
I love the murals that adorn the Santa Cruz streets. Below are collections of different types. The first collage features animal murals: a hummingbird, ducks on a pond, and then two of an relative of the raccoon, called a cacomixtle. The second collection is from one mural with groups of people celebrating. And the third has depictions people and animals at a pond.
Altars and the Church
As in all Mexican communities, religion is important. Altars are often located at crossroads or near water. Every barrio has its church, which is the center for all community activity.
Here are some altars.
Here are some views of the church, the steeples, an entry door, and a look at the darkened interior.
On the street in front of the church, I stumbled upon a weekly neighborhood market. Here is a brief video of it.
Addendum
Alcoholism is a problem in Mexico. Many neighborhoods, like this one, have regular AA meetings, as you can see from the photo above.
I don't know anyone who thinks they are a chicken, but I guess this one (below) does.
If you'd like to learn more about Barrio Santa Cruz, or see more photos of its church, visit their Facebook page.
I'd love to show you around Tepoztlán--to this barrio and other neighborhoods that I show in this monthly blog series. We could hike the trail starting a few blocks north of the Santa Cruz Church. It's relatively flat and takes forty-five minutes. Come for a visit!
