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Route to Ocotlán |
San Bartolo Coyotepec
Coyotepec comes from the words coyotl (coyote), tepetl (hill), and c (on). Together they mean on the hill of the coyote. The main attraction here is the famous black pottery that the local potters make. These artisans achieve pieces of extraordinary beauty by using a technique of soaking and polishing. You can purchase pieces in the craft market. Coyotepec is 12 kilometers from Oaxaca City. Take Federal Highway 175 toward Puerto Ángel. |
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San Martín Tilcajete
The correct name of the town is Tlilcaxitl, which means black bowl. This town is renowned for the manufacture of alebrijes (the same as San Antonio Arrazola), an invented word that means “it is a difficult tangled thing and of a confused or fantastic shape,” carved from the wood of the copal tree and painted with elaborate colors and designs. Tilcajete is 21 kilometers (25 minutes) to the southeast of Oaxaca City. Take Federal Highway 175 toward Puerto Ángel. |
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Santo Tomás Jalieza (Friday is Market Day)
The Zapotec word jalieza means under the church. It is composed of jana (below) and lieza (church). Jalieza is 25 kilometers (30 minutes) to the southeast of Oaxaca City on Federal Highway 175 going toward Puerto Ángel. Its archaeological zone (as yet unexplored) may compete in importance with that of Monte Albán. The inhabitants produce wool and cotton textiles on back-strap looms. Their designs are varied and range from prehispanic to modern. Among the most common products are clothing, embroidered blouses, vests, side bags, napkins, tablecloths, folders, belts, and friendship bracelets. |
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Ocotlán de Morelos (Friday is Market Day)
One of its main attractions is the tianguis held here on Fridays. This is one of the largest tianguis in the Central Valleys. Special mention must be made of the rich ice-cream prepared with natural ingredients sold here, as well as of the varied typical cuisine among which the chocolate atole, pan de yema, and regional candies (all made with loving care in a provincial style) stand out. Among the other products found here are red clay ceramics, apaxtles (round, flat-bottom, thick-sided, multipurpose dishes), and rustic utensils for the kitchen. While in town ask around for the Aguilar sisters--famous local artisans.
Among the secular and religious fiestas held in town, the most important is dedicated to Cristo Señor de la Sacristía, which is held on the second Sunday in May. The headquarters of the Fundación Rodolfo Morales, who was an eminent Oaxacan painter, is also in Ocotlán. Through Morales' efforts the former-convent was returned to the public and restored. Ocotlán is 33 kilometers south of Oaxaca City. |
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