Toluca and Metepec

We decided to take a trip to Toluca (pop. 505,000) to see what it was like.  It wasn't the prettiest city we have visited but we took in some sites.  The Cosmo Vitral Jardin Botánico (Cosmic Stained-Glass Botanical Garden) was amazing!  The building was built in 1909 as a market and now has more than 3500 sq. ft. of lovely gardens.  The light comes from 48 stained glass panels that were created by Tolucan artist, Leopoldo Flores.

Unfortunately, El Centro of Toluca was a mess because they were doing lots of construction, however, it looks like it will be beautiful when they are done.  We were able to walk through the construction in El Centro and also visit some of the churches. 

We just happened to be in Toluca for Día de Candelaria (Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple), which is a follow-up to the festivities of Día de Reyes (Three King's Day) on January 6th.  Traditionally in México on January 6th, children receive gifts in commemoration of the 3 kings bringing the gifts to the child Jesus.  In addition, most families own an image of the Christ child, a niño Dios, which receives gifts as well.  A special bread, Rosca de Reyes (a crown-shaped sweet bread decorated with jewel-like candied fruits) is served on this day.  Tiny figures of babies are hidden inside the bread and whoever gets a piece containing a baby is obliged to host a party (complete with tamales) on or before Día de Candelaria (Feb. 2nd).  Also, this person is responsible for dressing the niño Dios and presenting him at the church on Día de Candelaria .  It was interesting walking around the town seeing people carrying baby Jesus' everywhere we went.  We happened to walk to a park where there were many booths selling clothes for the babies and even booths with people redoing the paint and patching the dolls.

Later, we went to a bar to watch the Supertazón (Super Bowl).  Believe it or not, it's a pretty big deal here.  I was just happy to be able to watch it and drink beer at the same time!

The next day, we took a bus to Metepec (a suburb of Toluca) which is known for elaborate and symbolic pottery such as árboes de la vida (trees of life).  We climbed up to the Ex-convento de San Juan which is on a hill overlooking the city.  From there we continued up the Cerro de Maguey (Maguey Hill) to the Capilla del Tepeyac, a small church at the top of the hill. Afterwards, we toured some of the potters' workshops, made some purchases and ate some lunch.

For pictures, click on this link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/regnor11/TolucaMetepec#

Coming next:  Tapachula and Guatemala