Petatlan (pronounced Pay-tot-LAWN), a city of about 25,000, is located about 22 miles to the east of Zihuatanejo. The town is known for the Church of Padre Jesus of Petatlan. It's one of the most cherished pilgramage sites in the Mexican State of Guerrero.
It's also known for it's gold market, a group of stalls that line the street outside the church.
And, if you know where to look, you can find some good food, too.
As in most Mexican towns there is a town square where people meet. Both young...
...and not quite so young.
I was in Petatlan on a Friday. So, it seemed odd that there would be a crowd. Complete with vendors! I talked to a couple of people and found out that it was payday for the teachers. Since none of the teachers have checking accounts they all must come to Petatlan every 2 weeks. They close the schools and go to collect their pay in cash.
On one side of the plaza is a memorial for soldiers who died in the Battle of Chapultepec in the Mexican-American War.
Also on the plaza is a Pre-Columbian carved stone from a nearby archeologicla site.
I saw this tailgate and it reminded me that I still needed to go visit the church.
On the way I saw this sign painted on the wall reminding people that mosquitos that carry the dengue virus live in our house. "Remember: Clean House, Clean Patio, Clean Water!"
Then I saw these cherubs on a porch.
Yum! Time for lunch.
A block over from the plaza is a street lined with taquerias. Whatever kind of tacos you want you'll find them here. Beef. Chicken. Tongue. Goat. Tripe. Cow head. You name it... Oh, wait. They don't serve iguana anymore. They are becoming somewhat scarce.
After lunch I stopped by for a frozen fruit bar. They are s-o-o-o-o good!
I saw the belltower. Actually I heard it before I saw it. Well, I heard the bells, not the belltower. Oh, you know what I mean...
As I got closer to the church I came upon the first of the gold sellers.
Then I saw another and another. I must be just across the street from the church!
Sure enough. When I crossed the street the vendors went from selling gold to selling religious paraphenalia.
Finally, I climbed the stairs and looked into the church. It's not at all like the other churches I've seen in Mexico. It's much more modern.
There is always activity in and around the church.
Hundreds of candles have been lit and placed in this alcove.
This family was trying to get the young boy to smile so they would have a photo to remember his first visit to the Church.
Just as I was leaving a wedding was beginning. The festivities caught the eye of the cleaning lady who stopped for a moment to reminisce.
It was a nice end to a wonderful day traveling in Mexico.
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Comments: 12
Love those street vendors' food, too.