Located northwest of Santiago Ixcuintla, not far from the Pacific coast of Mexico, the Mexcaltitan Island is quite literally a magical place. Is a tiny island with a population of just over 800 people. The name Mexcaltitan has been interpreted to mean a variety of things: for some, it means “land of herons” while others translate the name as “in the house of the moon.”
The island was created by human hands. According to the legend, this place is the ancestral home of the Aztecs. This place was their home city and birthplace from where they set out on their pilgrimage in 1091 that led them to the founding of Tenochtitlan.
Decreed as a Historical Monuments Zone in 1986, Mexicaltitan is also known for its picturesque tile-roofed homes and small, tranquil streets. During the dry part of the year, Mexcaltitan looks like any other island off the coast of Mexico, save for its unusual shape. But in the rainy season, the streets flood and locals must take to canoes to navigate their neighborhoods.
This island is now being promoted as a tourist attraction and has been designated a “Pueblo Magico” by the federal government. It is accessible by boat from La Batanza, which is the dock area located some 40 kilometers from Santiago Ixcuintla. It is known as “The Mexican Venice”.
July 17, 2013
Photo source: wikipedia.org
A.I.
