Huejutla: Xantolo, Huasteca Culture and Historic Buildings

A clock stands in Huejutla’s Plaza Revolución, its structure dating back to the early 20th century. On the hour, it plays “El Cantador,” a song by Huasteca composer Nicandro Castillo. Alongside its historic clock, the plaza has a recurring musical note.

Architectural History and Xantolo

The church and former Augustinian monastery of San Agustín in Huejutla are considered national monuments and date back to the 16th century. In the Municipality of Huejutla, Augustinians built the temple and former monastery of El Sagrario from around 1570; they were completed by 1580 at the latest. This places two religious complexes from the same period in context, with a more specific construction period identified for El Sagrario.

The traditional Quadrilla from Huejutla’s Barrio de San José has a history spanning a hundred years. It has preserved, passed down, and spread the Xantolo tradition across generations. The Xantolo festival for All Saints’ Day takes place in Huejutla from October 31 to November 2 and includes Indigenous processions. The Quadrilla tradition and the festival dates are two different points of reference: one looks back on a long history, while the other provides a specific time frame for planning a trip.

The Casa de la Cultura is located at Paseo de Framboyanes s/n in Colonia Centro. It promotes local culture and tourist attractions in the region. This adds another cultural point of interest in Huejutla alongside its historic buildings.

Festivals and Huasteca Crafts

Another annual festival takes place in the Municipality of Huejutla from December 24 to 31: the folk fair, featuring artistic performances, dances, and religious celebrations. It falls considerably later in the calendar than Xantolo in late October and early November. If you are looking for a hotel in Huejutla for either festival, use these dates as a planning guide and check the dates and specific program before your trip.

Handicrafts are another consideration when planning a trip to the municipality. The community of Machetea and the Chililico Corridor are destinations where handicrafts are made. The crafts include clay, wicker, palm fibers, and wood, as well as traditional Huasteca garments: belts, shoulder bags, skirts, headbands, and colorful blouses. The pottery tradition includes white-clay vessels and kitchen utensils, comales, vases, figurines, and ocarinas, as well as other household and decorative items.

The Plato Huasteco is part of the culinary tradition in the Municipality of Huejutla and consists of Huasteca enchiladas and cecina. Other dishes include bocolos, zacahuil, tamales de bola, eggs cooked in banana leaves, and traditional bread. The Plato Huasteco offers a specific combination, while the other dishes mentioned provide a broader picture of regional cuisine.

Nature, Recreation, and Getting There

The Municipality of Huejutla includes two protected natural areas: Pirámides de Ecuatitla and El Limonar. Both names are therefore part of the municipality’s landscape and geography.

The Parque Ecológico in the Municipality of Huejutla is a place for family recreation and sports. Its facilities include amenities for cycling and physical activity. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

From Pachuca, the main route to Huejutla de Reyes is via Federal Highway 105, also called México-Tampico. You can allow approximately four hours for the drive; traffic and road conditions may affect travel time. This information can help you coordinate your travel plans with the festival dates or cultural activities during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Tasquillo, Mineral De La Reforma, Mineral Del Monte, Xochicoatlán, Zapotlán De Juárez, La Misión, El Bedito, Actopan.

For the broader travel overview: Hidalgo.