Cholula

A short drive from Puebla is the town of Cholula.  The claim to fame here appears to be the numerous churches in the area.  Including all chápales there are almost 150 churches.  The town is more than the churches - it is home to Tiachihualtepeti, the archaeological site of what is thought to be the largest temple in the world. Areas surrounding the temple have been excavated but the actual pyramid remains covered in dirt and grass as the home for a beautiful church built by the Spaniards.

The church atop is lovely and of course has a great view of the area.  Although not everyone walked up those that did shared and were witness to a girl experiencing her 15th birthday called a Quinceañera.  It is the celebration of the girl going from childhood to a woman.  We witnessed a few other girls dressed in magnificent gowns going through this tradition.

Ice cream, nuts (who knew Mexico exports macadamia nuts to Hawaii?), fruit and of course markets line the streets of the town and although it was quiet when we first arrived, it was hopping as we left.

One gigantic piece of jicama 

Cherries and Macadamia Nuts

One final stop to see the Santa Maria Tonantzita church.  This church is famous for a number of reasons.  It is owned by the local people who look after it and rent it out for special occasions.  They are responsible for ensuring their are beautiful flowers inside every week and take turns being there to oversee the steady flow of people. The sculptures are not traditional looking but lean more to indigenous figures.  Inside there are over 300 ángel faces with carvings throughout the whole church covered in gold leaf.  Unfortunately no pictures are allowed so you’ll need to use your imagination.

Women in this area do a unique art called popotillo - the place thin pieces of reeds in carefully drawn out pictures to creat beautiful pictures.  We made one artist very happy!