Teúl English
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◈ The air in Teúl smells of orange blossom, the streets are cobbled, the buildings still conserve unusual quarry stone gargoyles, and the people here walk along unhurried.
Its Plaza de Armas greets visitors with its benches, dragon-shaped lanterns, and a kiosk built during the Porfiriato (era when Mexico was ruled by General Porfirio Díaz) at its center. This is how Teúl begins, with a festive atmosphere; everything is honored here: saints, absent children, the pre-Hispanic past, and they do so with violins, dances and masks, as well as with the mescal produced in this corner of Zacatecas.
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◆ Try the baked gorditas at Hoja de Roble, made with cream, fresh white cheese and brown sugar.
◆ Visit the bar decorated with paper bills, the Cantina La Herradura.
◆ See a show at the Teatro José Isabel Flores.
In the Rincón del Mezcal, a bar in the town center, you can try margaritas, mojitos and cappuccinos made with the liquor.
❖ Cerro del Teúl
Here lie the remains of the ceremonial center in use by the Caxcanes when the Spanish arrived. This two-thousand-year-old archeological site was recently opened up to the public.
Here at the site you will learn about how its ancient inhabitants took advantage of the mountainous conditions to design an advanced hydraulic system that allowed them to collect water.
❖ Presa La Ticuata (Manuel Caloca)
Marvel at the aquatic landscapes of this dam. As well as admiring the panoramic view, you can also swim here between April and September, catch bass, and hire kayaks. You can also take a trip on a trajinera (traditional flat-bottomed canal boat), if you so wish.
❖ Santuario de
a Virgen de Guadalupe
Inside this sanctuary dating back to the 17th century, on its main altar, is an oil painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It once functioned as a hospital for indigenous people and was founded by the Franciscans.
This is one of Teúl’s architectural gems. It is well worth walking around slowly, so as to appreciate all the details.
❖ See a Show at Teatro José Isabel Flores
Ask permission to visit the Jardín de la Casa Cural. The Parish House Gardens are filled with arches, araucarias and palm trees. The town’s inhabitants often have lunches here, accompanied by the parish priest.
The Teatro José Isabel Flores also forms a part of the group of religious buildings. Its entrance is accessed through the atrium of the Parroquia de San Juan Bautista.
This theater was built in 1985 and ever since then it has seen it all: operas, regional dances, guitar quartets, children’s festivals, political announcements, and of course, plays.
❖ Take a Trip on the Trajineras
Climb aboard the trajinera (traditional flat-bottomed canal boat) “La Caxcana” or “La Ticuata” and float Xochimilco-style along the Presa La Ticuata, also known as the Presa Manuel Caloca.
❖ Buy Handicrafts, Mescal, and Candy
Wander through the Casa de las Artesanías de Zacatecas (Zacatecas Handicrafts House), located on Calle Francisco I. Madero, where you will find ceramics, wooden objects, and embroidery.
If you go into Arteúl, you will find mescals and mescal creams, pinole (corn based pre-Hispanic drink), Tamarind candy and lollipops. There are also embroidered and crochet shawls, as well as history books about Teúl.
❖ Festivals in Honor of Saint Andrew the Apostle
This is Teúl’s most important festival. It takes place from the 26th November to the 1st December every year. Its main day is the 30th November, in honor of Saint Andrew the Apostle, also the town’s patron saint.
As well as liturgical celebrations, there are also dances performed by the Matlachines (a carnivalesque dance troupe), fairground rides, and fireworks in the main square.
