6 Best Sights in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz

The massive orange-trimmed church on the north side of Plaza Zaragoza is the Capilla de la Candelaria, constructed in 1779. It houses the town's patron saint, the Virgen de la Candelaria. The saint is honored each year with a festival that runs from January 31 to February 9; a parade with hundreds of horses is followed by the running of the bulls through the streets. The most famous image of the festival is a statue of the Virgin Mary drifting down the river, followed by a flotilla of little boats. The buildings in Plaza Zaragoza are helpfully marked with snippets of history printed in Spanish and English.

The neoclassical Casa de Cabildo, which houses all the governmental offices, is painted vivid shades of red and green. The huge arch in the center of the building leads to the old port, and all newcomers once passed through this portal.

Several other churches are scattered around Tlacotalpan, but none are more delightful than the diminutive Iglesia de San Miguel Arcangel. Known to locals as San Miguelito (Little Saint Michael), the whitewashed structure, constructed in 1785, was once a parish church reached by crossing a little bridge. If you're in town September 27 to 29, you can take a peek at the Fiesta de San Miguelito. The church is about three blocks north of Plaza Zaragoza.

Museo Casa Lara is filled with photographs and other items that belonged to Augustín Lara, a musician and movie star. Look for stills from films such as Los Tres Bohemios and Los Tres Amores de Lola. The best reason to visit, though, is the chance to poke around a lovely colonial-era home.

Two tiny museums vie for your attention. On Plaza Hidalgo, diagonally across from Plaza Zaragoza, Museo Salvador Ferrando displays furniture and other objects from the 19th century.

The Casa de Cabildo faces Plaza Zaragoza, the town's main square. In the square's shady center you'll find a bandstand decorated with ornamental lyres.