Xalostoc: Churches, Festive Traditions, and Carnival

Xalostoc combines church and architectural history with festive traditions, crafts, and landscapes. When choosing when to travel, it is helpful to distinguish between historical topics and date-dependent celebrations: construction periods can be considered independently of the festival calendar, while processions, carnival, and other festive customs follow specific schedules.

Churches and Historic Buildings

The Templo de San Damián y San Cosme in Xaloztoc dates from the 18th century. During the colonial period, San Cosme Xaloztoc and San Pedro Tlacotepec were visiting churches belonging to the monastery of Huamantla. The temple’s architectural history is thus connected with the former ecclesiastical affiliation of the two churches. The INAH monuments register also lists the Templo San Pedro in San Cosme Xaloztoc.

The architectural history of two haciendas is also part of the historical picture of the municipality of Xaloztoc. Hacienda de Tochac and Hacienda La Concepción were built in the 18th and 19th centuries. This places ecclesiastical architectural history and the history of the haciendas side by side as distinct ways of exploring local history.

Festivals and Carnival

According to the festival description, the main celebration in honor of San Cosme and San Damián begins on September 26 with a procession through the main streets at 1 a.m. The local program may adjust the exact dates, so check the current festival dates before traveling to the celebrations. During the festival, work on a sawdust-and-flower carpet begins in the atrium between 5 and 6 a.m.

The festival is also known as the “Feria Regional del Mariachi.” The performances described include mariachi musicians from Xaloztoc as well as mariachi groups from Mexico and abroad. Food is also part of the festivities: in the town center, stalls sell antojitos, sweets, fruit, and traditional festival bread. Vendors vary.

Carnival festivities run from Sunday through Tuesday. Until Easter Sunday, a remate is also held every Sunday in each neighborhood of the municipality. During the celebrations, four of the municipality’s most prominent carnival groups parade through town between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. More than 1,000 Huehues dancers may gather at the remates. These details convey both the recurring weekly rhythm and the scale of the processions and gatherings described.

Crafts and Landscape

The municipality’s main crafts are carved walking sticks and carnival masks. Xaloztoc is also known for making pyrotechnics and floral decorations. These craft traditions complement the festive culture with local products, without specifying a particular place to buy them.

The landscape offers another perspective on the municipality: a large part of Xaloztoc lies on the slopes of the La Malinche volcano, where there is oak forest. Alongside churches, haciendas, and festivals, nature and woodland are also considerations when planning a trip.

Discover more destinations: Tlaxcala, Totolac, Ciudad De Nanacamilpa, Santa María Ixtulco, Santa María Atlihuetzián, Chiautempan, Tlaxco, Apizaco

Go to the main travel overview: Tlaxcala.