A Black Christ, a handicraft market and a 35-meter-high waterfall reveal the different sides of Valle De Bravo. Religious history, regional products and a nearby nature reserve each offer their own highlights. Key dates range from a fixed holiday to religious services celebrated year-round and a local tradition.
Religious Sites and Local Traditions
The Templo de Santa MarĂa Ahuacatlán was originally a Calvario chapel and was rebuilt starting in 1864. Inside, a Black Christ is kept, deeply revered by the residents of Valle De Bravo and associated with local legends. Behind the Templo there is also a designated landing area for paragliders and hang gliders.
La Capilla is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe and was renovated in the mid-20th century. Religious services are held there throughout the year. On December 12, a day-long public celebration takes place, attended by locals and visitors. The entrance is opposite the Parroquia de San Francisco de AsĂs. If you want to plan your trip around this celebration, December 12 is the key date to bear in mind.
El Pino is an ahuehuete tree said to be more than 700 years old. According to local tradition, the tree marks the place where, in 1530, a group of Franciscan monks celebrated the first Mass to mark the founding of San Francisco del Valle de Temascaltepec. The dates serve different purposes: 1530 belongs to the local tradition surrounding the Mass, while 1864 marks the start of the Templo’s reconstruction.
Handicrafts, Regional Products and Festivals
The Mercado de ArtesanĂas was established in 1984 to protect, promote and showcase local handicrafts. Items on offer include glazed ceramics, wrought-iron work, textiles, embroidery, cutwork embroidery, high-fired ceramics and baskets made from Ocoxal pine needles. The range therefore includes ceramics, metalwork, textiles and basketry.
The Mercado Municipal has a different focus: it sells traditional regional products and has an area where visitors can sample typical dishes made from them. Local handicrafts and regional cuisine thus offer distinct reasons to visit. Valle De Bravo’s cultural and food scene also includes the Festival de las Almas. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates before booking.
A Waterfall as a Natural Highlight
A 35-meter-high waterfall is located in the nearby Parque Velo de Novia. A path leading downhill takes you to its base by the lake. The park is about a 20-minute drive from the town’s pier. The landscape here therefore adds a waterfall and a path down to the lake to the area’s religious, craft and culinary attractions.
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