Metepec, Mexico State, Mexico — The Central Highlands (North America)
Hill of the Magueyes
Toluca y sus alredores
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 26, 2021
1. Hill of the Magueyes Marker
Desde tiempos prehispánicos, el maguey formó parte de la economía y la cultura de los pueblos indígenas del centro de Mexico. Prácticamente ninguna parte de la planta se desaprovechaba. De sus entrañas se extrae el aguamiel, base para la elaboración del pulque, bebida fermentada de contenido alcohólico que aún hoy forma parte de la dieta popular en muchas partes de México. Las espinas servian como herramientas para realizar ofrendas de auto sacrificio a los dioses. El tronco se comía tostado. De las hojas se hacían fibras textiles o se empleaban para techar las cosas.
Una planta asi de útil tuvo un lugar especial en la religión de los pueblos indígenas de México, quienes lo relacionaban con la fertilidad y el culto a los cerros. Así, los antiguos matlatzincas celebraban ceremonias en la punta de este cerro, que fue tan importante como para darle nombre a la región ya que Metepec signihca "Cerro de los Magueyes", en náhuatl.
Durante la epoca colonial, esta importancia ritual siguió existiendo en la forma del culto cristiano, con los templos de San Juan Bautista, a los
this page online
El 20 de julio de 1988, el Cerro de los Magueyes fue declarado Area Natural Protegida y pasó a ser nombrado Parque Municipal de Recreación Popular El Calvario.
Hill of the Magueyes
Since prehispanic times, the maguey was part of the economy and culture of the indigenous people ol central Mexico. Virtually any part of the plant was wasted. From its entrails the aguamiel extracted, basis for the development of pulque, a fermented alcoholic drink that still forms part of the popular diet in many parts of Mexico. The thorns were used as tools or for self-sacrificial offerings to the gods. The trunk was eaten roasted. From the leaves fibers were made or were used for thatching houses.
A useful plant like this one had a special place in the religion of the indigenous people of Mexico, who linked it with fertility and the cult of the hills. Thus, the ancient ceremonies elebrated by the matlatzincas at the tip of this hill, was so important that gave the name to the Tecaxic region because Metepec means "Hill of Magueyes” in náhuatl.
During
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 26, 2021
2. Hill of the Magueyes Marker English text
On July 2011, 1988, the Cerro de los Magueyes was declared a Natural Protected Area and became appointed Parque Municipal de Recreación Popular El Calvario.
Erected by Gobierno del Estado de México.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Native Americans. A significant historical month for this entry is July 2011.
Location. 19° 15.06′ N, 99° 36.292′ W. Marker is in Metepec, Estado de Mexico (Mexico State). Marker is on Avenida Estado de México just east of 5 de Mayo, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Metepec MEX 52140, Mexico. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tree of the Bicentennial of National Independence (a few steps from this marker); Church of San Juan Bautista (within shouting distance of this marker); St. John the Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hill of the Magueyes
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 26, 2021
3. Hill of the Magueyes Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2022, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 9, 2022, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
