Just a short trip from the bustling center of Cuernavaca, you’ll find the quiet charm of Tlaltenango, one of the city’s 12 original pueblos. This isn’t just any neighborhood; it’s a place steeped in history, where the past feels very much alive. Tlaltenango was founded in 1521 by Hernán Cortés himself. He chose this site to build the first Catholic church on the American mainland, the Chapel of San José, as well as one of the region’s first sugar mills.

Next to this historic chapel stands the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles, the heart of Tlaltenango’s most famous celebration: the annual Feria de Tlaltenango.

The Miracle of Tlaltenango

The fair is held in honor of Our Lady of Miracles, and the story of her appearance is a fascinating tale passed down through generations.

Popular history tells that on May 31, 1720, two travelers from Acapulco arrived in Tlaltenango and stayed at the inn of Doña Agustina. They carried a large chest secured with hinges and locks. The next day, they departed, asking Doña Agustina to guard the chest until they returned. Days turned into weeks, but the travelers never came back. Instead, lights, perfumes, and melodies began to emanate from the chest.

In late August, Doña Agustina and several neighbors went to see Fray Pedro de Aranda, the guardian of the convent and parish priest of the Assumption (now the Cuernavaca Cathedral). Fray Pedro de Aranda and the city’s Mayor went to Doña Agustina’s inn, opened the chest, and discovered a statue of the Virgin that glowed with light.

On August 30, the virgin was moved to the Chapel of San José, where a novena was prayed in her honor, culminating on September 8. It was decided that a sanctuary should be built for her, and when construction of the Tlaltenango Shrine was finished in 1730, it was given the name Our Lady of Miracles. Her feast day is celebrated every year on September 8.

A Celebration of Faith and Community

For the fair, Emiliano Zapata Avenue is closed to traffic and transforms into a vibrant street market. You’ll find countless commercial stalls, thrilling rides, handcrafted goods, and, of course, a constant backdrop of traditional music and fireworks.

Many pilgrimages come to the festival, but one stands out: the pilgrimage from Iztapalapa in Mexico City. For more than a hundred years, people from Iztapalapa have carried a stunning floral arch to be placed at the entrance of the church, where it remains for the entire duration of the fair. This act of devotion and community is a powerful example of Mexico’s cultural and spiritual traditions.

At Ideal Spanish Mexico, we believe that learning a language is about more than just grammar and vocabulary. It’s about experiencing the culture firsthand. That’s why we make sure to take our students to events like the Feria de Tlaltenango so they can witness and be a part of the rich history and traditions of Cuernavaca. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with the local community and see your language skills come to life!