Fiesta de Iztapalapa de Cuitláhuac

Cuitláhuac Iztapalapa is the name of the ancient village located in Iztapalapa; located north of Cerro de la Estrella. Here is still held the pre-Hispanic influence of the first people that settled.

This event is held every year. The feast is kept by the pueblo of Culhuacán and the barrios of Iztapalapa associated with Cuitláhuac; the date is set locally and the programme published a few weeks ahead, so confirm it with the parish or the borough before travelling for it.

Who Cuitláhuac was. The tenth tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, who led the Mexica resistance after the Spanish were driven from the city in 1520 and died of smallpox within months of taking power. Iztapalapa was his domain before he became ruler, which is why his name attaches to this part of the city — a street, a pueblo, a park and this celebration.

What happens. The religious core — masses, a procession with the image, dance groups in the atrium — combines here with a civic commemoration: music, dance and community events organised by the pueblos themselves, with food stalls and fireworks.

Practical notes. Metro line 8 and the Cablebus serve Iztapalapa; Culhuacán is reached from Metro Culhuacán or by taxi. Entry is free, cash is the currency at the fair, and photographs of people should be asked for.