Capulálpam de Méndez, one of the most beautiful places in Mexico, is a site where history, nature, gastronomy, music, folklore, architecture, governance customs, and traditional medicine come together. This fusion is complemented by the warmth of its people, who welcome visitors and captivate them as they explore every corner of the region. All of this exists within a context of ancient knowledge, which translates into the community's constant growth and development.
Since 2008, we have proudly been part of Mexico's "Pueblos Mágicos" (Magical Towns) program. Until 2015, we were the only town in the state of Oaxaca to hold this designation. This recognition honors the town's organization, dedication, unique architecture, preservation of values, traditions, and customs, as well as the hospitality of our people.
To talk about Calpulálpam is to delve into the geography of Oaxaca, where you only need to be with your senses open to discover in its details the greatness of its past, in the streets, alleys, paths, rooftops, mansions and its church. To perceive its smells, flavors, and hear in its stories the vital importance of its present and glimpse its future as a land of promise and hope.
We are proudly an indigenous community, founded in the beginning of the year 1200 by Zapotecs from the Valley of Oaxaca; our oldest document (property title) in our possession was issued on March 12, 1599, by order of Don Luis de Velasco II Governor Captain General of New Spain. This manuscript states that this possession obeys the ancient writings presented in the Zapotec language in power of the caciques. The entry of our community into the Federal Program of “Magic Towns of Mexico”, in 2008, has allowed us to appreciate our great cultural and historical wealth, the blessing of our daily life that takes place closer to the nature that surrounds us, and we have seen whit great satisfaction how our spaces have been strengthened, recovered and improved for enjoyment of locals and visitors.
Today we share with tourists the dawn among the mist of our mountains, start the day with a walk through the forest, return to the town guided by the aroma of traditional cuisine; share after dinner with people eager to know our stories, respect their astonishment at the magnificence of our Temple in honor of Saint Mathew the Apostle, and show them rural landscapes where natural formations allow us to unleash our imagination; sing in the heat of a campfire and enjoy the rain and nights filled with stars.
This wonderful coexistence and these magical times that Capulálpam is experiencing are possible thanks to the constant work of its residents and municipal and community authorities, whose actions and decisions always carry a medium- and long-term vision of community development, actions that distinguish it. Before becoming “Magic Town”, it was named as the “pilot town” of the mountain region, as its work projects always seek regional benefits. A quick look at some actions from yesterday and today show the magic that Capulálpam radiates.
Feel the magic in the air that runs through our community, our forest, our flora…in the daily greeting.
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