Tilapa can be explored through three specific themes: the altarpiece in the Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel, the celebrations in honor of San Miguel Arcángel, and the recipe for barbacoa and Consomé de hoyo passed down in the municipality. Church art, religious festivities, and cuisine offer different starting points for planning a trip. The specific festival events described here refer to 2025.

Church Art in the Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel

The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel is a historic religious building in Tilapa. Its altarpiece dates from the 17th century. A 2015 restoration report places it on the right side of the church interior. The church arch is also a notable feature, and the church houses works of sacred art. The altarpiece provides a clear historical reference, while the arch and artworks draw attention to the architecture and sacred furnishings.

A report dated March 28, 2026, described the church’s reopening after structural damage caused by the September 19 earthquake and said that it had welcomed the Catholic community back. If you are considering a visit, please check in advance whether visitors can enter.

Celebrations in Honor of San Miguel Arcángel

During the 2025 celebrations, an image of San Miguel Arcángel was carried on a tour of 28 households. A procession organized by the Mayordomía began at the chapel in Colonia Zapata. To conclude the celebrations, the image was taken from the church to the home of the Mayordomo. The events described therefore ranged from visits to households and the chapel to the final journey to the Mayordomo’s home.

In the “toro de once” described in 2025, an animal adorned with flower garlands and accompanied by a brass band was led from the chapel in Colonia Zapata through Tilapa’s main streets. This event differs from the processions: the decorated parade, the music, and the route through the main streets take center stage.

The 2025 celebrations program also included sporting events and a performance by the folkloric ballet of the municipality of Huaquechula. Religious processions, sports, and folklore thus represented different aspects of that year’s program; the ballet is associated with the municipality of Huaquechula.

Barbacoa and Other Dishes

The recipe for barbacoa and Consomé de hoyo is passed down from generation to generation in the municipality of Tilapa. In 2026, the barbacoa cooks “Los Zorros” and “Los Cangrejos” from Tilapa presented these dishes at “Raíces y Sabores de Nuestra Región” in Huaquechula. The recipe tradition is rooted in the municipality of Tilapa, while the presentation took place elsewhere.

Mole poblano, Pipián, and Chileatole are also prepared in the municipality. While the focus for barbacoa and Consomé de hoyo is on passing down a particular recipe, these dishes broaden the picture to include other preparations from the municipality’s cuisine.

More Cultural and Practical Attractions

The cultural repertoire in the municipality of Tilapa also includes the dances “Huehues” and “Doce pares de Francia.” For travelers interested in local traditions, they add two more dance forms to the specific celebrations in honor of San Miguel Arcángel.

There are two fishing spots in the municipality: La Balsa and La Calavera. Fishing is possible at both. If you plan to stop for fishing, please check access conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: San Martín Texmelucan De Labastida, Santiago Xonacatlán, Tepeyahualco, Oriental, Santa Rita Tlahuapan, Tehuacán, Tetela De Ocampo, Xicotepec De Juárez

For the broader travel overview: Puebla.