Acolman, Estado de Mexico
The Spanish Conquest brought to Mexico not only the colony with its evangelicalism and European architecture, but it also prompted a fusion that, through the passage of centuries, has transformed into an element that turns certain places into magical sites that for their traditions, folklore and fusion with the colonizers have resulted into towns and spaces with a distinguishing splendor of spiritual, cultural and architectural dreams.
Without a doubt, one of those sites with a strong mystical energy is Acolman, in the State of Mexico. Prior to the arrival of Spanish conquerors, it was already a highly important and independent city under the rule of Netzahualcoyotl.
The conquest and later colonization forever changed the traditions of this commercial and strategic importance for the era. However, the result has a surprising splendor worth discovering, let yourself be wrapped by the mysticism of its former convents, churches, parks and corners overflowing with the elements that grant that unique personality to this beautiful town.
Located in the State of Mexico, Acolman can be reached through the highway leading to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, from where you can see the 16th century fortress that hosted the former convent of San Agustin. This Spanish building, with its architecture characteristic of that era, was home of the friars in charge of converting the natives of New Spain. It has also historically been home to a vast number of art works, relics, paintings and murals that remain as undeniable evidence of the daily life and religious faith of those who lived and died within its majestic walls.
One of the most outstanding works for their artistic value are the buildingâs architecture, with its somber Plateresque style with a high degree of perfection in the execution and creation of all its forming elements; a cross cared in stone by the craftsmen who turned it into a priceless masterpiece; a replica of the highly famous La Piedad sculpture, various art objects and oil paintings, as well as ancient ceramics.
The former convent began to be built in 1539 and was concluded in 1560 by the third order of the Augustine friars, who had just arrived from Spain to begin the christening of the new continent. After suffering a series of floods over a long period of time, the former convent was abandoned and later rescued to turn into its current state: the Art and History Museum or Augustine Museum, where there still remain objects as evidence of this magical siteâs history. Paintings, documents, antique books, sculptures, pottery and sacred art form one of the most important collections telling the tale of Mexicoâs birth through the fusion of two antagonist cultures.
It has been said that the famous âposadasâ were first created at Acolman and have since been celebrated year after year during the Christmas holiday. A great party that includes religious ceremonies and music, dance and folklore dance shows, such as the piñatas contest, is one of the strongest attractions of this wonderful place. This party, known as the Fair of the Posada and Piñata, is held every year, December 16 to 24.
Donât wait any longer for discovering the details of history, architecture and Indian and Spanish art in a combination of the traditions that resulted from the fusion of two people separated by religious beliefs, cultural development and a whole ocean which now translate into an unforgettable experience of mysticism, magic and splendor. Acolman welcomes you with winning charm.
FOTO: jabbusch
Article Produced by the Editorial Team at Explorando Mexico.
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