Santa Maria de la Asuncion Tlacolula

Welcome to Santa Maria de la Asuncion Tlacolula, a town that serves as the beating, vibrant heart of the Oaxacan valley. Pronounced Tlah-koh-loo-lah, this remarkable place might seem like a quiet, typical Mexican town during the…

As we plunge into the heart of the market, the sheer density of human activity is astounding. The Market's labyrinthine alleyways stretch out in every direction, completely taking over the town's streets. …

Amidst the overwhelming sea of fresh produce and colorful textiles, we find the dedicated artisans who form the structural backbone of the Oaxacan community. Tlacolula is renowned not just for what is grown, but for what is…

Follow the thick, mouth-watering plumes of smoke rising above the canvas rooftops, and you will find yourself in the legendary meat hall of Tlacolula. This is the culinary epicenter of the market, a place of intense heat,…

Stepping away from the intense noise and smoke of the market, we approach the peaceful, shaded courtyard of the town's parish church, the Templo de la Asunción. Founded in the mid-sixteenth century, this impressive structure…

Prepare yourself for a truly breathtaking visual shock. As you move from the main nave of the church toward the adjoining side chapel, the architecture undergoes a radical, mind-bending transformation. …

At the very heart of this dazzling, gilded chapel sits the reason for its existence: the highly venerated statue of the Señor de Tlacolula, a depiction of the crucified Christ. This specific statue is the subject of a powerful,…

As we make our way back toward the edge of the market, preparing to leave the labyrinth of Tlacolula, let us take a moment to reflect on the immense cultural weight of what we have just experienced. We have walked paths that have…