We visited the nearby town of Tlacotalpan (Nahuatl name meaning “between the rivers”) some 25 miles south of Veracruz on the coast. This lovely colorful town is an UNESCO World Heritage site, the scene of very early settlement and the beginnings of Jarocho culture. Jarocho is a term now applied to any person originating in Veracruz state. Years ago it applied just to the mixed race population around Tlacotalpan, combining indigenous peoples with Spanish and African – more African than Spanish. Nowadays all Mexicans recognize the proud Jarocho traditions of Veracruz.

• Colorful Tlacotalpan Colorful Tlacotalpan
• Templo San Miguel Templo San Miguel
• In the San Miguel bell tower In the San Miguel bell tower
• In the San Miguel bell tower In the San Miguel bell tower
• Lois with don Manuel Lois with don Manuel
• The San Miguel bell tower The San Miguel bell tower
• Colorful Tlacotalpan Colorful Tlacotalpan
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• Church (Parroquia de San Cristobal) on the Zocalo (Plaza Zaragoza) Church (Parroquia de San Cristobal) on the Zocalo (Plaza Zaragoza)
• Dinner at Los Jarochos on the Rio Papaloapan Dinner at Los Jarochos on the Rio Papaloapan
• Lois had Torta de Mariscos Lois had Torta de Mariscos
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While in Tlacotalpan, we visited the charming old church of San Miguel, where don Manuel insisted on showing us around. He urged us to ascend the bell tower, where some of these photos were taken. Later, in the cultural center, we came upon a weekend class of youngsters taking a Danzón lesson! Then we enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner in a café overlooking the river.

Veracruz Zocalo night life