Experience the color and delight of Latin America with Mexico resident Merry Elizabeth Foss
My Town of Malinalco
The winding scenic roadways approaching picturesque Malinalco, the Municipal seat of government for the state of Mexico, guide you carefully down from the rocky-ridged mountains that wrap the town on three sides; or one may arrive slowly meandering across the broad, sunny ‘ejido’ farming valley below. It is a traditional Mexican town with a mild, inviting climate all year long; population approximately 12,000.
As always, the heart of any colonial town is its restful tree-clad zocolo, here flanked by the well-restored 16th-Century Augustinian Monastery of the Divine Savior of Malinalco.
Due to the pre-Hispanic importance of Malinalco, it was from here that the evangelization of the entire region began. Stunning colonial frescoes fashioned from herb and flower-based paint adorns the cloister and the ‘Parroquia’ treed yard provides a tranquil retreat.
A colorful daily produce market faces the central plaza, with Wednesday hosting the principal market day for Malinalco. The chaos expands and spills itself it with gusto along side streets and rings the zocolo with crafts. Market stalls back up against brightly painted colonial houses and everyone does a roaring trade!
The towns main historical attraction is an Aztec archaeological site perched atop ‘Cerro de Los Idolos’ dating from the early 1500’s. The ‘Mexica’ temple is carved into the rocky mountainside, housing the elegant and powerful Tiger and Jaguar Warriors carved from stone. A spectacular view spreads out and beyond the site, and overlooks the town below; the silence is striking. Leaving the site entrance you can stop in at the Dr. Luis Mario Schneider Museum housing an ethno botanical exhibit, a lovely courtyard and historical information of the town and temple above.
Malinalco is a sleepy, languid place throughout the week but comes alive on the weekends. Burros laden with firewood can be heard clopping along narrow cobblestone streets. The peal of bells from small colonial 'barrio' churches remind visitor and resident alike of time-honored Mexican tradition. Farmers still ride through town on horseback with scythes tucked into their belts, while nearby restaurants and cafes provide flavorful and relaxed dining experiences. There are small local galleries, street side artists and craftspeople displaying their wares, church festivals celebrating their Patron Saint’s day and near the zocolo, and for textile buffs, a visit to a family weaving traditional ‘Ikat’ dyed ‘Rebozos’ (or shawls) on back-strap looms is an absolute must
We can head out on horseback, hike into the mountains, attend yoga & meditation classes, walk the labrynth, experience a traditional ‘Temazcal’ bath or a relaxing massage, explore photographic & 'plein-air' painting opportunities, have a day of Mexican cooking classes ; the possibilities are truly endless
So do come to my Malinalco and wander alongside me
through it’s colors and textures.
Come and enjoy the many small adventures to be had !!!
