Discover Chiapas
Explore this culturally diverse and ecologically important state to our southwest
GEOGRAPHY
Hot, humid with 120 inches of annual rain Chiapas is home to the ancient Maya ruins of Palenque and Yaxchilan, as well as, one of the largest indigenous populations in the country. Chiapas boasts mountain ranges, active volcanoes, the Pacific Ocean and the Lacandon Jungle. The latter is one of the most important rainforests in Mexico harboring a plethora of monkeys, wild boar, jaguar, and bobcats. 25 percent of Mexico’s total species diversity is found in the state, including large quantities of fish, with some species endangered and some on the verge of extinction.
HISTORY
Hunter-gatherers occupied the central valley around 7000 BC, with ancient archeological remains found at Santa Elena Ranch in Ocozocoautla. The oldest calendar known was found here on a piece of ceramic, dating from 36 BC, which is 300 years prior to the Mayans developing theirs.
In the 1520’s the Spaniards conquered the area, demanded taxes (Hernán Cortés’ instructions), and introduced crops like wheat, sugarcane, and barley. They also introduced cattle, horses, and sheep. Tragically, they brought previously unknown diseases, dramatically decreasing the population.
Oppression of the indigenous people is at the center of the state’s history. This long history of oppression lead to rebellions, like the 1994 Zapatista uprising (named after Emiliano Zapata, leader of a 1911 revolution).
INDUSTRIES
Ranching, cultivation of cacao, coffee, and bananas are integral parts of the local culture. As an additional source of income, the indigenous community has increased their production of arts and crafts. Another source of revenue is its valued woods, such as cypress, pine, oak, cedar and mahogany.
FOOD & DRINK
Some unique beverages you can find in Chiapas include pozole, taxcalate, and pumbo.
- Pozol, fermented corn dough, flavored with cocoa and sugar
- Taxcalate, combines toasted corn powder, achiote, cinnamon, sugar and milk
- Pumbo, mixes pineapple, club soda, vodka, sugar syrup and ice.
Local cuisine incorporates chipilin, a fragrant and strongly flavored herb, hoja santa with anise-scented leaves, as well as cinnamon, prunes and pineapple. A favorite household dish, tamales juacanes, is filled with black beans, dried shrimp, and pumpkin seed.
