Painting Mexico - Pintando Mexico: September 2019

Erongarícuaro ("Eronga")- Pátzcuaro, Pueblo Mágico

View from in-town

(This lovely village will be included in a book-in-progress on Pátzcuaro, a Pueblo Mágico).

On the west side of the lake, Lago de Pátzcuaro, sets a village in the foothills of a mountain. This enchanting town, known for its unassuming beauty is often called, simply, “Eronga”. Erongaricuaro, in the native Purepecha language, means “place of waiting”.

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A pueblo with an estimated population of 5,000, its interest to us lies in its authenticity, economic and cultural vitality, and eccentric art scene. Post-war, well-known artists such as Frieda Kahlo, Diego Rivera, André Breton, and their friends (Trotsky) spent time in this interesting town. Past Mexico President, Lázaro Cárdenas, was said to have come here with his consorts for the arts scene.

Poetale at the edge of el Jardín Principal

Eronga is especially interesting for photographers, as the central garden Jardín Principal, also serves as the town’s market area, mercado. Here, under colorful tarps that cast vibrant hues, you’ll find a wide range of foods, household items, textiles and crafts. Under the portales(arcades), you’ll find vendors preparing savory dishes of authentic foods, such as tomales, quesadillas, bueñuelos (lightly fried pastries) and their seasoned salsas and dishes (meats, fish, cheeses and vegetables). For a special treat, sample the variety of ice cream (nieve) and popsicles (paleta) made from real fruit. Much of the food is seasonal from the nearby fields. Not only is the local food delicious, it looks delicious, worthy of exceptional photography. Many of the local population wear traditional, native clothes made of bright colors and alluring patterns, all accompanied with a background of boom-box music and nearby chatter. Traditional bull-riding,jaripeo, is enjoyed here during special events…(continued in my upcoming book: Painting Mexico: Pátzcuaro ). 9-28-2019

Fresh produce and great photography subject matter

Eronga's most popular restaurant

Front plaza of the Franciscan Church and Seminary

Cover of first book

The author, Jack Hannula

Tzintzuntzan (Pátzcuaro), Pueblo Mágico

In my constant search for scenic beauty and cultural and historical interests for my books, Painting Mexico, I came across this captivating town Tzintzuntzan. Tzintzuntzan, a strange name, means “hummingbirds” in the Purhépecha language in Mochoacán, a central state in Mexico. To get to Tzintzuntzan, travel to Morelia and then to Pátzcuaro. The site is about 10-miles from Pátzcuaro center, el centro.

Tzintzuntzan on Lago Patzcuaro

Tzintzuntzan was the ceremonial capitol of the Terascan empire until conquered by the Conquistadores in 1520’s. It’s now an archeological site with spectacular views of Lake Pátzcuaro and its surrounding, volcanically formed mountains. The nearby village is lively, with a food and crafts market to absorb your interest and satisfy your craving for savory, Mexican food. Passing through the gateway, you’ll find a monastery, with its spacious garden, chapel and church, to include a hummingbird art exhibit in the monastery. Wander, explore and adore, for this is an experience from “centuries” past, a lost era. When I finish writing my “Painting Mexico” book on Pátzcuaro, this magical town will surely be included.