Latin American and Caribbean Economic Association

About Cholula & Puebla:

__Puebla today is the product of its historical past. The strongly Catholic communities of today were shaped by experiences of the ancient indigenous peoples and the influences of the Spanish Conquistadors. The Europeans brought their traditions, language, foods, art, architecture, customs, and religion which all emerged as the dominant force in the development of a new Mexican society. The material culture found in colonial Puebla lends itself to examining the history from three points: 1. The pyramid of the indigenous peoples, 2. The forts of the battle of Puebla, and 3. The many Catholic churches and cathedrals.

Pyramid of Cholula

__Many visitors to Mexico are eager to view the huge Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán. But most do not know that this is not the largest pyramid in Mexico. In order to experience this structure, tourists must travel two hours to the south to Cholula which is just outside the city of Puebla. Actually, it is several small pyramids built on top of each other. It was the belief that the larger the pyramid, the more powerful the people. These inhabitants certainly wanted to be the best.

__Not only is the Cholula pyramid the largest, but the town is the oldest continuing settlement in Mesoamerica. This site has never been abandoned since it was established by the Cholultecas in 200 B.C. as a worship center to the rain and fertility god, Tláloc. The temple at Cholula flourished after the decline of Teotihuacán in 650 C.E. Outside the pyramid is a large plaza where human sacrifices occurred. At Cholula, children were often the offering. It was considered a privilege to be sacrificed. So mothers often looked for the physical characteristics that marked their child as a future offering. One of these marking was a double cowlick in the hair of the child.

__Later, as Tenochtitlán became an important center in Mexico, traders passed through Cholula on their way north. Cholula now became a center for commerce and the pyramid was where buying and selling took place. As this area grew, new tribes took control. The worship of Tláloc was moved from this old Cholula pyramid to a new temple which was located in the center of present-day Cholula. The old temple remained active but as a secondary site only. By the time the Spanish arrived, the people were worshiping Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent. Cortés introduced his own religion to this area in order to subdue the Indians. He had a new temple built and dedicated to the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, the Virgin of the Remedies.

__Today, visitors have a spectacular view of the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. It sits high upon the pyramid which is now overgrown with plants and looks more like a hill than a pyramid. The smoking volcano, Popocateptl, sits in the background. Tourist can actually see parts of the pyramid by walking through tunnels made by archaeologist in the 1930s. All around the Puebla area, there are hills similar to this one in Cholula. Some have been excavated like Cacaxtla in Tlaxcala. However, it is difficult to travel through the countryside and not wonder, "Is it a hill or is it another pyramid?"

Battle of Puebla

_ The Mexican government in 1862 had just finished the Mexican-American war and was involved in a "revolution" to re-establish the Loyalist government. As the liberals, headed by Benito Juarez, gained momentum, the Loyalists appealed to the French and Napoleon III sent his cousin Maximillian to Mexico as head of one of the best armies in the world at that time.
Particular to the area of Puebla were two forts or "fuertes" in Spanish, called Guadalupe and Loreto. They were situated about 500 meters apart on a hill overlooking the center of the town. Both forts were manned, not only with regular Mexican troops, but also with Indians who were recruited and showed up with sticks, rocks, and machetes specifically to fight the French. Although there was not any particular loyalty to the Mexican government on the part of the Indians, they fought probably to keep the way of life they knew.

_ The third and decisive battle was aided by the rain. The dirt surrounding the fort quickly turned to mud and with men and horses constantly on it, to a mire. The French were unable to move their artillery in and the Mexicans eventually prevailed. Although the Mexicans won this battle and lost the war, that fact has not deterred the country from declaring May 5th a holiday. Celebrations occur mostly in Puebla and curiously enough, in the United States where Hispanic communities usually have a traditional meal and traditional music.

Cathedrals and Churches

_ On a clear day the landscape of Puebla is dominated by the snow-capped volcano of Popocatepetl or "Popo." It is the second highest peak in Mexico. From Cholula, the visitor can't help but notice the remains of the largest pyramid in Mesoamerica. At the top of the pyramid is the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios which was constructed in 1874. This vantage point looks over the cities of Cholula and Puebla and the 53 churches located in the area.
With the Spanish Conquest of the early 16th century came major efforts by the Spanish to convert the indigenous peoples to Catholicism. To prevent ancient religious practices and to convince the people of the power of the Catholic church, huge cathedrals were built at the peak of their existing pyramids. Further evidence of the Spaniards' attempt to convert the indigenous people to Catholicism can be seen inside the famous Santa Maria Tonanzintla church. With the influence of the European Baroque style, architects designed the ornate interior of this church with colorful saints, fruit, angles, and cherubs. Begun in the 16th century, it took Indian craftsmen more than 200 years to complete this cathedral. This style has been called "Folk Baroque" and "Popular Baroque."

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