Tourist Attractions

GEOGRÁFIC LOCATION

The municipality of Petatlán is located 94 meters above sea level, west of Chilpancingo, it is part of the Costa Grande region and its coordinates are 17°18´ y 17°57´ northern latitude and between 100°53´y 101°30´ western longitude with respect to the Greenwich meridian. It borders the following municipalities: to the North with Coyuca de Catalán, to the South with the Pacific Ocean; to the East with Tecpan de Galeana and to the West with Zihuatanejo de Azueta, this last one shelters the Tourist Destination of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

HISTORY

In the XI century, Petatlán was inhabited by Cuitlatecos, Chumbias and Pantecas until 1497 when the Mexica ruler Ahuizotzin tore into the Costa Grande through Juluchuca and Petatlán and in 1504 Moctezuma Xocoyotzin established the tributary province of Cihuatlán of which the territory of the municipality of Petatlán was a part.

After the Spanish conquest was consummated, Petatlán was given to Ginés de Pinzón as a grant and its inhabitants were converted by friar Agustino Juan Bautista Moya who congregated the Indians and founded the town in 1550.

In 1786, with the changes in political organization of New Spain, it came to depend upon the sub-delegation of Zacatula of the Administrative Division of México. During the war of Independence Petatlán was the place where the insurgent contingent was formed and it was annexed to the province of Tecpan, created by José María Morelos in 1811.

It later belonged to the General Captaincy of the South created during the Monarchy of Agustín de Iturbide in 1824. Upon the creation of the first federalist Republic it became part of the district of Acapulco of the State of México, and formed a part of the county of Tecpan.

In 1850, when the State of Guerrero rose, Petatlán was included in the district of Galeana. In 1870 it was constituted as a municipality for the first time with the eastern portion of the municipality of La Unión and some areas of Tecpan, but it was abolished on December 31, 1871 when it was reconstructed because of a territorial segregation of the municipality of La Unión and some towns of the municipality of Tecpan; in 1953 it contributed to the formation of the municipality of Teniente José Azueta with some of its western townships. At that time it belonged to the Judicial District of Montes de Oca; it currently belongs to the District of Azueta.

TOPONIMY

The word Petatlán derives from the nahua words Petatl-Petate (a kind of mat) and Tlán-next to which means "next to the Petate".

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

PLAZA
It is a beautiful plaza where the custom is to play volleyball and basketball. If you want to mix with the locals this is a good opportunity to do so.

ARTS AND CRAFTS
Petatlán has an important jewelry market in front of its famous church. The craftsmen sell beautifully carved pieces of 12, 14 and 18 (24 Karat by special order) Karat Gold at prices a little bit under their average market value. Usually, you can save from 10 to 15 percent on the cost of the craftsmanship since you are buying directly from the designer.

Although the municipality of Petatlán is not a producer of gold, it has a long tradition of marketing and crafting of jewelry pieces made of this metal. According to the old local merchants, the tradition for "Petatlán Gold" was born more than 50 years ago around the National Sanctuary of Padre (Father) Jesús of Petatlán, located in the heart of this town on the Costa Grande of Guerrero.

GASTRONOMY
In Petatlán you can enjoy authentic Regional Cuisine, from the delicious local sea food dishes to those made of beef, goat or pork among other varied local specialties.

PADRE JESÚS DE PETATLÁN CHURCH
A world-famous religious center located in the heart of Petatlán, Guerrero. Its presence originated the traditional Holy Week festivities.

There are three versions of how the Patron Saint came to Petatlán:
The first version is that a ship wrecked in the beach near Petatlán and that among the debris a figure representing Jesus on one of the episodes of the cruxifiction was found in a parcel and was taken to a modest chapel.

The second version has it that a peasant went to work on his parcel very early and on the way he heard a moan, believing that it was a wounded person he headed for the place where the sounds were coming from, when he arrived he noticed that it was the statue of Jesus on his knees from the weight of the cross. He informed the civil and religious authorities who rescued it from among the thorns. A small church was built on the site and it later became a modern construction thanks to one of its parishioners.

The third version, that seems to be the one accepted by most of the faithful, is that the priest called upon the parishioners to raise money to buy a statue of Jesus on the Way of the Cross, since the town was poor, even though every effort was made to raise the amount, it was impossible to accomplish it. Notwithstanding, the priest prepared to go search for the statue that was to replace the old one of Saint Anthony that was then revered.

ARCHEOLOGIC SITE SOLEDAD DE MACIEL
La Soledad de Maciel is a site that shelters one of the most important Prehispanic treasures of the Costa Grande of Guerrero. Currently, works by the National Anthropology and History Institute are under way to rescue this site.

La Soledad de Maciel, is 4 kilometers away from the Zihuatanejo-Acapulco highway, it is a town of about 400 inhabitants, barely some 80 houses where families depend mainly upon agriculture for their livelihood, they grow tobacco, corn, beans, vegetables and coconuts. On a lesser degree they depend upon cattle and fishing for their own consumption because of the closeness to the sea..

According to the versions of the inhabitants, this town, better known as La Chole, short for Soledad, Prehispanic artifacts have been discovered since the thirties, but it was only until 2008 that the excavations began after the municipal government acquired the land on which a ceremonial center from the Tomil, Cuitlateca and Tepozteca cultures could have been.

Besides the excavations on this site, an archaeological museum is being built at the entrance of the community, which is an old dream of the inhabitants of the region to show the archaeological pieces that have been found in the area.

The Prehispanic part of La Chole is very special and unique, its pyramids are constructed with river stones and clay which is not usual in Mexican Archaeology, that is why this site has cultural and historic relevance.

CERROS DE LOS BRUJOS
Its name comes from the fact that clay pieces believed to have belonged to witch doctors from the Prehispanic era have been found here.

It is a small mountain; the main attraction is its great variety of flora and fauna. The first of these is made up of an enormous cactus, medicinal species like cuacharalate, huarumbo, panicua, and papelillo, plus wild pineapple and sweet potatoes. With respect to the fauna, there are armadillos, rabbits, iguanas, squirrels, guans, badgers, and opossum and during some seasons there are parakeets and parrots.

At the top of the mountain there is a flat rock with an engraving that seems to be a map of the site that shows the settlements at that time, the coastline and a cemetery all in the territories of the current community of La Chole.

Another attraction is the Piedra del Encanto (Stone of Enchantment), a viewpoint from which you can see the Lagoon of Potosí and the communities of Palos Blancos and San Jerónimito.

CERRO DE LOS BRUJOS CAVE
This cave is under the Piedra del Encanto. Years ago a group of firefighters went in to explore it and found remains of jade and quartz; at the bottom there is a wide space where ancient paintings were found.

Access to the cave is very complicated since it has become very narrow with the passage of time. The cave is inhabited by bats and some reptiles.

EL REY (THE KING)
Stone figure found in 1944 by Mrs. Virginia Romero González, in the patio of her house. Believing that it was a religious figure she informed the local schoolteacher who explained that it was an archaeological piece; so they proceeded to excavate in order to take it out. The piece was fractured in half; each half was 1.5 meters long.

The central part of the piece represents youth, old age and death; on its neck there is a pectoral that represents the Supreme Being. On the abdomen it has a shield that represents a jaguar and the ball game; the piece is wearing a belt and a loincloth. Studies made of this piece have revealed that it dates back to 1,500 years before Christ.

OBSERVATORY STONE
It is a stone with 52 holes that represent the 52 weeks of the Mexica calendar. It is believed that they were filled with water and this was used to observe the eclipses and the stars. There are 20 pieces with these characteristics in the community.

SACRIFICIAL STONE
It is currently in the plaza of San Pedro, in the head of the municipality. This stone disc represents the god Tlaltecutli, Mesoamerican earth deity. The pieces are associated with an elongated platform that encloses an open space in the manner of a plaza and it changes direction in a perpendicular fashion, seemingly using the slope of the land where it was found.

This sacrificial stone was discovered accidentally by Mr. Luciano Romero González close to the pyramids located at la Soledad de Maciel. The municipal government, headed at that time by Agapito Galeana de la Rosa, recognized the historic and archaeological importance of the pieces and had them transferred to the head of the municipality. The winners of the ball game were probably sacrificed on this stone.

RINGS FROM THE BALL GAME.
These archaeological pieces are located at the corner of 20 de noviembre Street and the national Acapulco-Zihuatanejo highway, at the head of the municipality. They were discovered accidentally in 1925 by Mr. Luciano Romero González in the area near the pyramids.

The municipal government, headed at that time by Agapito Galeana de la Rosa, recognized the historic and archaeological importance of the pieces and had them transferred to the head of the municipality. The rings have two serpents on both sides that represent the two contending teams and symbolize the ongoing game between cosmic forces.

MUSEUM
The museum of Soledad de Maciel is another project of the National Institute of Anthropology and History to which all the pieces discovered in this archaeological site will be transferred.

At present, Mr. Adán Vélez Romero, President of the Board for Archaeological Preservation, has an important collection of archaeological pieces that he has discovered himself and which are part of his private museum. Once the construction of the building that will shelter the community museum Projects of Guerrero and the INAH Center in Guerrero, these pieces will be donated so that they can be shown and studied.

TABACCO GROWING
A rainy season crop. In the community, 15 families grow tobacco. This product is sold in within the region by the kilogram and some producers manufacture cigars and sell them to the tourists who visit the community.

ARRIVAL-OF-SPRING RITUALS
During the past 6 years, Mr. Adán Vélez Romero, President of the Board of Archaeological Preservation and resident of the community, carries out rituals to receive the Spring. At twelve o'clock on the 21st of March, dressed in white, the inhabitants go to the top of this archaeological site to receive the spring and the "energy" it brings.

VALENTIN LAGOON
Only 10 kilometers away from the town, there is a greatly appreciated natural attraction, the kind rarely found in Guerrero, since it includes a lagoon, a river and the sea coming together. On Valentín beach there is a turtle camp where eggs are kept from the natural predators such as people who sell them. When he eggs hatch and the turtles are born, they are released into the sea.

On Valentín beach there are many activities one can do: fishing is one that the local population practices. Sea bass, red snapper, horse mackerel and "ojotón" are among the species that one can capture. When fishing on the beachside you must be careful since it is an area in front of the open sea and the surf is strong and unpredictable. In the open sea dogfish, sailfish and octopus are the species to capture.

There are two ways to get to this natural attraction: the first is on the national Zihuatanejo-Acapulco highway. From the head of the municipality, 3 kilometers away there is a road better known as "el empedrado" that goes to straight to the beach, it is about 8 kilometers long. After that, you continue another 13 kilometers through the beach to reach the Valentín estuary.

The second access and the most recommended because of its easy, quick and comfortable transit is heading towards downtown at the head of the municipality, southeast of Jesús de Petatlán Sanctuary is Benito Juárez Street which takes you to Valentín estuary no more than 10 kilometers away from there. Visitors can go by car or four-wheeler to the estuary and from there a canoe will take them to Valentín beach.

On the beach there are animal species like pelicans and seagulls. At night, turtles of different species such as the Laud, black turtle and golfita lay their eggs in that place. The turtle camp "La Tortuga Feliz" (Happy Turtle) operates in the area, it allows visitors to stay overnight in its outskirts and to participate in the turtle preservation and rescue activities.

BEACHES

Barra de Potosí
The town of Barra de Potosí located in the municipality of Petatlán has 396 inhabitants approximately. It is a small community on the beachside that is at the end of Playa Larga, about 20 minutes south of the International Airport of Ixtapa-Zihutanejo and 35 minutes away driving from Zihuatanejo.

Barra de Potosí has a few restaurants called "enramadas" with excellent food, some small hotels and a variety of properties for rent, from the most modest to the most luxurious and exclusive small hotels.

Its name comes from the fact that during the rainy season the bar opens and the lagoon becomes one with the sea which is a marvelous sight and it allows people to swim in the area. The famous Morros de Potosí (Hills of Potosí) stand in front of this beach.

La lagoon is home to different kinds of birds and the sanctuary of local wildlife, with a 4 1/2 mile salt-water lagoon, small boats and kayaks that offer rides to admire the beauty of this incomparable place.

La Barrita
La Barrita is a gorgeous beach located 15 minutes away from the head of the municipality of Petatlán on the federal highway to Acapulco. At the beachfront there are several restaurants where the flavors of regional cuisine can be enjoyed.

This beach is famous for being one of the favorites among the locals and visitors because its waves are a perfect size for surfing.

Playa el Calvario
Playa el Calvario is located 20 minutes away from Petatlán, it has an extensive viewpoint where there are several seafood restaurants; the surf is strong and it is not safe to go into the sea, however, the spectacular aspect of this place is its view of the ocean, to sunbathe on a beach practically all to yourself and enjoy fresh and delicious seafood with an incomparable view.

Playa Icacos
This is a good place to camp, it is a peaceful beach and the inhabitants of Juluchuca, a small town in front of Petatlán, are very kind; there is also a lagoon that joins with the sea during the rainy season.

FESTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Holy Week Fair
This celebration takes place during the months of March or April, depending upon the Marian calendar, and it begins on Holy Thursday.

Anniversary of the Establishment of the Municipality
It takes place on February 5th , there are games and shows at the plaza.

Festivity of the Patron Saint
The festivity of the Patron Saint is celebrated with a fair on August 6th.

Regatas.
These famous regattas take place in the rivers of Petatlán and San Jeronimito in the month of October.

Miss Surf and Surfing Events
Miss Surf and the Tournament take place on August 6th.

Celebration of the Independence
The Celebration of Independence takes place on September 15th, the Queen of Patriotic Festivities is crowned on this day as well and on September 16th there is a traditional parade.

Day of the Dead Offering Contest.
This festivity takes place, like in all Mexico, on November 1st and 2nd. The offerings include food, sweets and drinks according to the taste of the dead person to whom the offering is dedicated. Xempaxúchil, also known as the flower of the dead is used to adorn the offerings in vases or in rows of flowers.

Mexican Revolution Parade
This celebration takes place on November 20th with a typical parade in which varied representations of the Mexican Revolution are presented.

Holy Week Fair
A popular event that is organized every year. The date changes according to the calendar and it goes on for two weeks. Taking advantage of the vacation season the government of Petatlán provides an option for family enjoyment and leisure time to its inhabitants as well as to the tourists that visit it.

This festivity is the most important for the municipality and one of the best known and most visited in the region; in it, merchants and service providers offer their products at popular prices, mechanic games are set up, there is betting, food stands, crafts, clothes, home articles, etc.

As part of these festivities there are also cattle shows, bull fights, rodeos, horse races, popular dances by world-class dancing groups and cultural events where folkloric local and regional dances are presented. The event is held in the patios of two schools located on Independencia Avenue given that City Hall does not have an adequate space for this occasion.

Holy Week
The celebration of Holy Week is the most important religious festivity for the Catholic faithful. They commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The date varies according to the calendar. It begins on Palm Sunday when the palms are blessed at the sanctuary.

On Thursday and Friday of that week a live performance of the passion of Christ takes place. About 60 people participate in this performance; along the 5-kilometer walk, Jesus of Nazareth is accompanied by the fervor of hundreds of inhabitants and pilgrims from other parts of the state and of the republic that come to witness the passion of Christ. The Way of the Cross is represented with its 10 stations according to the Bible and it concludes at Mount Calvary, staged in a vacant lot of Benito Juárez neighborhood.

Celebration of "Padre Jesús of Petatlán"
In 1948, Mons. Gregorio M. Bello Carranza requested a festive day to honor Padre (Father) Jesús from the Catholic Church. August 6th was the date granted because that was the date in which the Bishop would go to the town to celebrate confirmations, and it is also the date, according to the Catholic liturgy, when Jesus' transfiguration is celebrated. The first time Padre Jesús was celebrated was on August 6th, 1948; a charity fair was organized with the purpose of raising money to continue the construction of the current temple.

From that year to date, these festivities take place every year, beginning on the first day of August with pilgrimages along the main streets of the city. From the 1st to the 6th of August, families, businesses and organizations parade with a banner of Padre Jesús to the temple.

On the 5th, at 6 p.m., the festivity of the next day is celebrated with a mass; the rest of the afternoon and night believers from the whole region visit the image. At 5 a.m. on the 6th, "Las Mañanitas" is sung and a mass follows.

Throughout the 6th, while the popular festivities take place at the plaza, believers continue to arrive at the temple to pray and revere the image. The celebrations culminate at night with traditional fireworks in the atrium of the church.

As part of the celebrations in honor of Padre Jesús and taking advantage of the summer vacations, a great festivity that begins on the 1st and ends on the 15th takes place in the town. At San Pedro plaza and Independencia Avenue stands with regional crafts, toys, clothes, mechanic games and a great variety of foods stands are set up.

On this date, the faithful who go to the temple also have fun at the plaza and buy souvenirs of their visit to this place. At night popular dances are presented at the social center of the city.