Villages around lake Patzcuaro
[Janitzio] [Ihuatzio] [Tzintzuntzán] [Quiroga] [Tocuaro] [Erongarícuaro]
At Pátzcuaro's feet lies the lake of the same name where traditionally the fishermen used carved-out trunk canoes and butterfly nets that now are only pulled out for the benefit of tourists and photographers. It is one of the country's highest bodies of water, situated at over 2,200 meters above sealevel. Surrounding the lake are a number of villages, each producing one or several arts and crafts specialties.
Isla de Janitzio
In the middle of Lake Pátzcuaro the island of Janitzio juts out, covered by a terraced settlement of the same name and topped by an enormous statue of José María Morelos, some 40 meters in height. The island is accessible by boat from Pátzcuaro's pier (embarcadero) which run regularly back and forth from about 7:30 am to 6 pm. You can also hire these boats to take you around other parts of the lake.
Janitzio is famous for it's celebrations on the Day of the Dead and All Saint's Day (Nov. 1 and 2). Candlelit boat processions make their way to the island and then to Janitzio's Church and and graveyard, remaining there for the night in a graveside vigil in memory of the dead.
[Janitzio] [Ihuatzio] [Tzintzuntzán] [Quiroga] [Tocuaro] [Erongarícuaro]
Ihuatzio
Slightly north of Pátzcuaro along the lakeshore is the village of Ihuatzio (Place of the Coyotes), specializing in woven tule figures (an aquatic reed) in the shape of animals. The site was founded by the purépechas and was used as an astronomical observatory, and is an important center of prehispanic culture.
The archeological ruins that are found at Ihuatzio are some of the most extensive and complex in the state of Michoacan, although much of the area has not yet been excavated. There is evidence that the ruins date from two distinct periods of habitation, the first being an occupation by Nahuatl-speaking peoples between 900 and 1200 a.c., and the second, falling between 1200 and 1530 a.c., by the Tarascans.
[Janitzio] [Ihuatzio] [Tzintzuntzán] [Quiroga] [Tocuaro] [Erongarícuaro]
Tzintzuntzán
(Place of the Hummingbirds)
Tzintzuntzán, once the capital of a Tarascan Empire, the restored ruins (yacatas) of which are visible as you enter the village, is known for is basketry and straw crafts, rustic, carved wooden furniture, green glazed pottery and woven goods.
The town also has a 16th C. Franciscan Monastery, the Convento de Santa Ana. Olive trees grace the churchyard, planted by Don Vasco de Quiroga.
Festivals:
- February 1 - Festival of El Señor del Rescate
- February 12 - Regional textile, pottery and vegetable fiber craft competition
[Janitzio] [Ihuatzio] [Tzintzuntzán] [Quiroga] [Tocuaro] [Erongarícuaro]
Quiroga
On the road from Tzintzuntzán approaching Quiroga, going north along the lakeshore road, are a number of stoneworkers and cutters who carve a large variety of figures from soft, pinkish-white stone called Cantera. Among the figures we've seen and obtained from the area are frogs, mermaids, spheres, ornate fountains, fanciful fish and turtles. These figures can be set out as free-standing home or garden decorative pieces or integrated into interior or exterior walls as special accents. Carved cantera is also a speciality of the town of Patambicho.
The town of Quiroga also has a market and number of small crafts shops selling the pottery, textiles, straw and wooden trays and products of the area. Prominent too are leather goods. Take a look at the inside of Quiroga's Church - it has a mosaic of fabulous images depicted on it's ceiling. In June (date is variable), the Quirogans conmemorate the Preciosa Sangre de Cristo (The Precious Blood of Christ).
[Janitzio] [Ihuatzio] [Tzintzuntzán] [Quiroga] [Tocuaro] [Erongarícuaro]
Tocuaro
Tocuaro, near Erongarícuaro on the western shore of Lake Pátzcuaro, is known for its mask carvers. These artisans do their work and their sales out of their own homes. The town is also noted for it's embroidered textiles. Tocuaro stages special celebrations on February 2, Candlemas Day.
[Janitzio] [Ihuatzio] [Tzintzuntzán] [Quiroga] [Tocuaro] [Erongarícuaro]
Erongarícuaro
Erongarícuaro in the past was well known for its textiles. Currently, its main point of interest is the Muebles Finos Artesanales Erongarícuaro furniture factory, which produces fine, artistic and splendidly-finished furniture for export through its Tucson, Arizona wholesale warehouse. Their unique pieces are painstakingly and beautifully worked by their team of expert woodworkers and artists.
On January 6th, the town of Erongaricuaro celebrates the festival of El Señor de la Misericordia.
[Janitzio] [Ihuatzio] [Tzintzuntzán] [Quiroga] [Tocuaro] [Erongarícuaro]
