NATURAL WORLD
Zaachila is located in a fertile valley, irrigated by the Atoyac
River. There center of town is lush with walnut and mesquite trees.
CULTURAL WORLD
The Santa María Natividad Temple is on north side of the
zócalo.
Zaachila celebrates the Guelaguetza
the second Monday after July 16. The event is older than what is
held in Oaxaca City. Peformers are all from Zaachila and take turns
each year to learn the dances from other regions in Oaxaca.
MARKETS
Thursday is Market
Day. Seeds are sold on the east side of the city hall (palacio
municipal). In the zocalo and near the church venders sell handicrafts
from nearby villages. A few blocks west of the center of town there
is considerable activity in the Baratillo animal market.
The Alarii Market is on the east side of the zócalo. Built
in 2001, there are about one hundred stands, most serving either
bread and chocolate or a variety of fresh meat.
Looking for a snack? You'll find tasty peanuts (cacahuates) and
plenty of tejate
served in bright red jicaras. Another treat is fresh sugarcane,
with or without the hot sauce.
MUSEUMS
The city has no formal museum, but there are plans to create a
community center. Temporary exhibits of archaeological finds are
scheduled on occasion during holidays.
ARCHAEOLOGY
The El Cerrito (or 'el mogote') hill is noticeable from a distance.
Located across from the main church, the archaeological site is
topped by a mostly unexplored pyramid. Visitors can enter two tombs.
HISTORY
After the decline of Monte
Albán, Zaachila was the most important Zapotec city of
the 14th century. It was later ruled by the Mixtecs until the arrival
of the Spanish conquistadors.
The meaning of the word 'Zaachila' has not been clearly established,
although in the Zapotec language it is believed to mean 'the one
who came from the east.' In the Nahuatl language, the word means
Teozapotlan, 'God of the Zapotec Region.'
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