Opichen: Temples, History and Festive Traditions

Opichen combines an 18th-century temple with festive traditions that include religious ceremonies, dance and music. The Grutas de Calcehtok, a destination in their own right, are also within the municipality. Three things are particularly useful when planning your trip: the town’s historical context, the dates of its festivals and the guided-tour requirement for visiting the caves.

Temples and History of Opichen

The Temple of San Bartolomé in Opichen dates back to the 18th century. However, the town’s history goes back further: in pre-Hispanic times, Opichen belonged to the chiefdom of Maní de Tutul Xiú. The town was also the site of several battles in the Caste War in 1847. This brings together different historical periods: pre-Hispanic affiliation, 19th-century battles and an 18th-century religious building.

The Exhacienda de Calcehtoc is also among the municipality’s historical monuments. Together with the Temple of San Bartolomé, it offers another historical point of reference for learning about the municipality of Opichen.

Festival Dates and Traditions

Opichen’s traditional festival takes place from February 23 to 27. The festival in honor of San Bernabé follows from June 8 to 12. If one of these festivals is the reason for your trip, confirm the dates locally before you travel.

The Fiesta de San Bartolo in Opichen traditionally includes rosaries, Masses, fireworks and dressing the figure of San Bartolo. The celebration also features a traditional Vaquería: participating women dress in festive attire, and a Jarana orchestra accompanies the Vaquería. A dance event with modern music groups is also part of the Fiesta de San Bartolo. This is distinct from Jarana dances at regional festivals in the municipality of Opichen, where participants compete.

Crafts and Commemorative Traditions in the Municipality

The making of leather goods, known as talabartería, is the municipality of Opichen’s main craft activity. The term refers to leatherworking, not to a specific visitor offering. For All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, an altar is set up in the main part of the house. The deceased are offered their favorite foods, as well as Mucbil pollo, atole made from new corn and chocolate whipped with water. This home-based commemorative tradition connects the remembrance of the deceased with special foods.

Grutas de Calcehtok in the Municipality

The Grutas de Calcehtok are located in the municipality of Opichen. Visitors can climb and explore underground passages there. Various tours are available for experienced, inexperienced and advanced visitors. However, the caves can only be entered with experienced guides because it is easy to get lost inside. A headlamp is included in the tour price. Plan for this guide requirement and check current visiting and booking conditions in advance.

The name Calcehtok also has a local explanation: in Maya, it means “stone of the deer’s neck.” Local people gave the place this name because a carved stone depicting a deer’s neck was found there. The name thus adds another cultural reference to the cave area.

The different aspects of a stay are easy to distinguish: the temple and historical context span different periods, the festivals have specific dates, and the caves have a clear guide requirement. Plan according to the purpose of your trip and confirm festival dates or visiting conditions wherever they are relevant to your stay.

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