Chapultepec: Colonial Church, Handicrafts and Religious Festivals

The Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel is a central reference point for religious life in Chapultepec. Its history, the community’s religious traditions and local handicrafts offer different topics to consider when planning a trip.

Church and Townscape

The Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel in Chapultepec was built in 1571 in the Mexican colonial Baroque style. European and Indigenous influences shape its style; it is dedicated to the community’s patron saint, San Miguel Arcángel. As the center of the community’s religious life, the colonial church is the starting point for the year’s most important processions and religious celebrations. Las Cruces del Calvario are also an essential part of the religious festivities.

Eucharistic celebrations are held at the Parroquia throughout the week. If you would like to attend a service, check the current schedule in advance, as the times may change.

The Ruta del Centro takes in streets in the municipality of Chapultepec with buildings in the New Spanish style. Features described include adobe walls, gabled roofs covered with tiles, white and terracotta-colored façades, and wrought-iron and wood details.

Handicrafts and Food in the Municipality of Chapultepec

The wooden matraca, also known as a carraca, is considered the best-known handicraft of the municipality of Chapultepec. Families make them; they are sold by the gross, a unit of 144 pieces. The art of crochet is also practiced. It is used to make tablecloths, garments and decorations.

The traditional food served at the Fiesta del Pueblo in the municipality includes mole, rice, beans and handmade tortillas. At the festival honoring the Dulce Nombre de Jesús, the mayordomos offer visitors traditional mole. If you would like to time your trip to coincide with a festival, check the current date and program in advance.

Landscape and Routes

Cerro del Chapulín lies north of the municipal seat of Chapultepec. It reaches 2,664 meters above sea level and has two depressions known in the region as Las Lagunas. Bats live in the caves of Cerro del Chapulín.

The Ruta Cerro del Chapulín follows steps to a viewpoint with panoramic views in every direction across the Valle Matlazinco. If you plan to take the route, it is advisable to check the current trail conditions before your visit.

Religious Traditions and Festivals

During Holy Week, a multicolored sawdust carpet is made in the municipality of Chapultepec to adorn the traditional Stations of the Cross. These depict the Passion and death of Christ. Another religious route is the Ruta de la Fe: it ends at the summit, by the crosses of Calvario, and offers visitors a spiritual experience of traditions and products along the way.

The carnival in the municipality of Chapultepec is a festival honoring the Dulce Nombre de Jesús. It features floats, dancers, Masses and processions; at the festival, the mayordomos offer visitors traditional mole.

Getting Around the Municipality

Near the center of Chapultepec is Parque Plaza de Estado de México, which is considered a place for family activities.

Avenida Libertad-Revolución serves as a road connection. It is approximately 12 meters wide and has two lanes with traffic in both directions. Avenida Libertad-Revolución connects Chapultepec eastward with Atizapán and Tianguistenco, and westward with Mexicaltzingo, Metepec and Toluca.

For the broader travel overview: Chapultepec.