About Chilpancingo de los Bravo, Mexico

 

Chilpancingo de los Bravo is the capital of the state of Guerrero in South-Western Mexico. The soubriquet ‘de los Bravos’ was acquired in 1825 as a tribute to the contribution of the three Bravo brothers in the Mexican War of Independence. The name ‘Chilpancingo’ in Náhuatl (indigenous language) means ‘Place of the Wasps’.

Chilpancingo is historical city. Since ancient times the area around the city has been the home of a succession of Indian tribes, the Olmecs being the first to leave any traces. In the colonial period its role as a staging post for east-bound merchandise, in route to the central highlands, gave the town its chief reason of being.

In 1813 Chilpancingo's prestige increased when it became the venue for the first Mexican National Congress, chaired by José María Morelos. In that date, Chilpancingo became in the first capital of the country although it lasted no much time.

Today the population of 167,000 is mainly engaged in trade and allied activities.

The climate is warm and humid all year round. The annual average temperature is around 20°C. Summer is the best time to visit.

In the city of Chilpancingo, the main attraction is the Regional Museum with archaeological and historical exhibits and with murals illustrating Mexican history is worth seeing too. Another noteworthy monument is the Asuncion Parish Church. The eco-friendly could visit the Zoological Garden.

Close to Chilpancingo is the town of Chilapa, which boasts of a sixteenth-century Augustinian Monastery and a Cathedral. You could also visit the town of Olinalá, famous for its lacquer-work.

For an interesting experience, visit the Juxtlahuaca Caves, limestone caves that contain 3000-year-old pottery work and paintings made by the Olmec Indians. Located close to the small picturesque village of Acatlán are the Oxtotitlán Caves, stalactite caves, with paintings dated between 900¬–700 B.C.

Make sure you visit the Handicrafts Centre to purchase local arts and crafts.

Anyway, the food is another attraction. The traditional pozole is served every Thursday in the famous pozolerías of the city. The cemita is a special bread of the region. People say that if someone tastes the cemita bread with toronjil juice he or she never leaves Chilpancingo.