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24 Best Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico – Colonial Architecture, Culture, and Cuisine
History, culture, and amazing food – Puebla has it all. A bustling city located just a few hours southeast of Mexico City, Puebla is the capital and largest city of the namesake state. The city is a blend of stunning colonial architecture, lively markets, and delicious cuisine: Puebla is the home of the Mole Poblano and the Chile en Nogada, both iconic dishes. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its many colonial buildings, among them several adorned with colorful tiles known as Talavera. On top of that, there’s always something cultural going on, which is why so many expats love this place so much –…
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Celebrating Day of the Dead in Puebla 2024 – 13 Things to Do
While most travelers flock to Mexico City or Oaxaca for the famous Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) celebrations in November, Puebla tends to slip under the radar. But after having lived in Puebla and nearby Cholula for over 2 years, trust me when I say – this city is totally worth checking out for this special holiday. Especially if you’re running late with your plans or if you just want a more chill experience without the massive crowds, Puebla is the perfect middle ground. You’ll still get all the festive vibes with parades, costumes, art exhibits, public altars, and stunning sculptures – just with a little more breathing…
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Puebla’s Historic Site of the Forts (Los Fuertes) – 12 Opportunities for History, Nature, Recreation, and Fun
The historic site of the Forts (Zona Histórica de Los Fuertes) – or just short “Los Fuertes” – with its 2 hilltop fortresses that offer panoramic views of the city is a historic landmark. Here’s where the Battle of Puebla occurred on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) in 1862. Mexico fought against Napoleon III, and the Mexicans fought back the French army under Ignacio Zaragoza. Puebla commemorates this important date with its celebrations on May 5th each year. The two forts, Loreto and Guadalupe, were originally chapels built on the Acueyametepec hilltop. At the beginning of the 19th century, they were reconstructed to serve as military forts. Nowadays, they host museums…
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Ex-Hacienda Chautla and Its Picturesque Castle Gillow: 2024 Guide for a Half-Day Trip
An English-style castle and a lake divided by a dam: The ex-hacienda Chautla in the state of Puebla shows off its glamorous past until today. Once a thriving hacienda with farmland for corn, wheat, and later maguey (an agave plant), it’s now a popular recreational area for the poblanos (people living in Puebla). Just a 45-minute drive from the city of Puebla, it invites you to spend a day in nature at the lake surrounded by forests. And you can even bring your pet along! This guide tells you what it is, what it costs, and what you can do. About the Ex-Hacienda Chautla and Castle Gillow In 1777, the…
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Discovering Cantona: Impressive Ruins of an Ancient City in Puebla
One of the most extensive archaeological sites in Mexico lies in the northeast of the Puebla state, close to the border to Veracruz: Cantona. And it might well be the site with the most ball game courts: Archaeologists have found 27 so far, more than in any other Mesoamerican site. This pre-Hispanic city was once one of the most extensive of its time. At its peak, it was home to over 90.000 people who lived here in 7500 housing units. Nowadays, you can climb many of its pyramids and temples, walk the cobbled streets, and enjoy the peace and quiet as the site is little visited. You might even have…
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9 Best Things to Do in Chipilo
An Italian enclave in the heart of Mexico: Who would expect to hear Venetian, an Italian dialect, spoken in the heart of Mexico? In Chipilo you can hear it, and you’ll also find Italian delicacies produced in the region. The history of this village is interesting: It was founded in 1882 by a dozen families from Venetia in Italy who arrived here being promised fertile lands by the Mexican government. As this promise didn’t hold, the pilgrims switched to producing dairy and meat products. Today, Chipilo de Francisco Javier Mina, which is the full name of this small town, also produces high-quality furniture. In the streets, you can find trattorias,…