Ocozocoautla de Espinosa
Ocozocoautla de Espinosa is a town located in the center of the state of Chiapas, in Mexico, which has a long and rich history dating back to pre-Hispanic times. Its name comes from Nahuatl and means "forest of cocozotes", which are animals similar to raccoons. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the town was inhabited by the Zoques, an indigenous ethnic group that still preserves its language and traditions.
The first conquerors who crossed the region were Bernal Díaz del Castillo and the notary public Diego de Godoy, in 1523, who left some references about the Zoque chiefdoms that existed in the area. Some of them were tributaries of the Mexicas or the Chiapas, while others were more independent. Evangelization began in the 16th century with the construction of the church of San Francisco de Asís, which is still preserved as one of the town's historical monuments.
A political and social trajectory
Ocozocoautla de Espinosa was elevated to the category of city on January 19, 1926, according to a decree promulgated by Carlos A. Vidal, constitutional governor of the state. Since 1928 it has carried the surname of Espinosa, in honor of Luis Espinosa, a revolutionary politician who was born in the town and who was assassinated in the Chamber of Deputies in 1928.
The town has been the scene of various historical and social events, such as the recovery of the lands by the natives in 1592, the Zoque rebellion against the federal government in 1869, participation in the Mexican Revolution and the Cristero War, the fight for municipal autonomy in 1989 and the defense of the environment against the threats of urban and industrial development.
A charming tourist destination
Ocozocoautla de Espinosa was recognized as a Magical Town on June 26, 2023, for its cultural, historical and natural wealth. Among its main tourist attractions are
The Zoque Regional Museum, a space dedicated to disseminating and preserving the Zoque culture, which has a collection of archaeological, ethnographic and handicraft objects. Here you can learn about the history, language, customs and beliefs of this native people.
Los Aluxes Ecological Park, an ideal place to enjoy nature and observe various species of wild animals. Here you can walk an interpretative trail, visit a butterfly farm and a serpentarium, or do activities such as zip-lining or a boat ride.
El Ocote Ecological Reserve, a protected area that houses a wide variety of ecosystems such as high evergreen jungle, cloud forest and mountain and tropical deciduous forest. Here you can admire the landscape formed by the rock formations known as "Los Pilares", as well as explore caves and grottoes where there are cave paintings.
The typical gastronomy of the town, which offers delicious dishes made with local products. Among them, the chipilín tamale, the baked or marinated cochito, the pozol, a refreshing drink made from corn, and the zispolá with beef broth stand out.
Ocozocoautla de Espinosa is a town with history, culture and nature that invites you to discover and enjoy it. It is an ideal destination for lovers of adventure, tradition and beauty.