Cuernavaca: History and Traditions in a Nutshell

The city of Cuernavaca in the modern-day state of Morelos was founded by the Tlahuicas, one of the seven tribes of Nahuatlacas who ruled central Mexico from 1100 AD to 1500 AD. They spoke the Aztec language called náhuatl, from which English words such as “chocolate” and “avocado” are derived, and considered Cuernavaca to be a paradise for its amazingly warm and sunny climate and for the abundance of wild flowers that grow spontaneously in and around the city. For this, Cuernavaca is known as the city of eternal spring.

Perhaps the most vibrant of the indigenous traditions that flavor the life in Cuernavaca for locals and tourists alike is the great love for markets. In pre-colonial times, rich and poor alike would travel great distances to be able to participate in the weekend markets. Artists would sit on the street corners playing music, old friends would reunite to catch up on life, and everyone would display the best of what they had to sell in small booths in the central square.

Little has changed in the last 500 years and to this day the weekend markets are a highlight for everyone in and around the city. Each neighborhood takes a turn hosting the celebration: in every part of the city there is a church which serves as a base point around which the market unfolds itself. On market day, the local residents decorate the church inside and out, covering it with huge quantities of flowers, silk decorations, and confetti paper. The streets themselves are often decorated as well; the joy of the celebration spills out in all directions and no one can help but smile and participate. The places and dates of the most popular festivals coincide with those held by the Tlahuicas in ancient times.

Taking classes at the Viaspanish language school in Cuernavaca is a great way to not only to learn Spanish, but also to learn about and participate in the rich history and indigenous heritage of this gorgeous city. In the Nahuatl language, Cuernavaca means “a place near trees”, and it has certainly shown itself to be a place with strong roots, shrouded in the mystery of the past, now just waiting to be rediscovered.