About Ixcateopan
Every year the town of Ixcateopan, in the hills of the state of Guerrero, hosts a festival in honor of the anniversary of the death of the Last Aztec Emperor, Cuauhtemoc. The festival features groups of Dancers from the entire Republic who, with traditional dance and dress, perform the rites and ceremonies of La Danza Azteca.
Archaeologist Eulalia Guzman declared that Cuauhtemoc was buried at the 16th C. Santa Maria de la Asunción Church in the town of Ixcateopan in the hills of Guerrero, approximately 45 km (28 miles) from the famous silver town of Taxco.
Ixcateopan's streets are paved with white marble stones and several archeological sites are found in the region dating from more than 1,500 years before the Spanish conquest.
About Cuauhtemoc, the Last Aztec Emperor
Cuauhtemoc, meaning "descending eagle" or "plunging eagle", was born on February 23, circa 1500.
In the monastery school of Calmecac, Cuauhtemoc undertook military and religious studies at a level of education reserved strictly for the noble classes.
After the deaths of Moctezuma II and Cuitlahuac, a fellow student of Cuauhtemoc's at Calmecac, Cuauhtemoc became emperor, ruling from 1520-1525.
Cuauhtemoc valiantly fought the Spaniards in defense of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, until he was captured by Cortés. He was tortured in attempts to have him reveal the sites of his peoples treasures.
In February 28, 1525, Cortés ordered Cuauhtemoc to be put to death by hanging.
Visit the Zihrena Gallery's Special Exhibit of Goddesses and Women of Mexico by Arq. Arturo Macias
