Espita

Espita is a traditionally Mayan small town in the eastern part of Yucatán in southeast Mexico. The town is designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.

Understand
The town has over 11,000 residents (2010), making it regionally important. It is known for having several nearby haciendas during Mexico's colonial era, though unlike most haciendas in Yucatán, those around Espita grew corn rather than henequen, making it the breadbasket of the Yucatán.

History
Originally settled by indigenous Maya, the town of Espita was formally organized as a Spanish town in the late 1520s. It grew under the encomiendo system that saw the establishment of Espita's nearby haciendas, primarily growing corn and sugar cane.

The most historically significant event for Espita was its involvement in the Caste Wars that occurred during the Porfiriato era between the War for Independence and the Mexican Revolution. In 1848 the town was taken over by indigenous rebels. They would be ousted by federal troops two years later.

By bus
From Merida there is one direct bus per day to Espita, but there are several Noreste buses (Autobuses Noreste Yucatán) each day to Tiziman at a cost of M$120. Tiziman is about 20 minutes by taxi to Espita.

By car
Yucatán is one of the easiest Mexican states for foreigners to drive in and rental cars are widely available in Cancun or Merida. From Cancun, drive west on federal highway MEX-180D (toll road) to Vallodolid. In Vallodolid, turn north on federal highway MEX-295. After about 25 km, watch for the turnoff to the west towards Espita.

Get around
The easiest way to get around is by walking, especially considering the small size of the town, but a bike would also be a good option. 3-wheel moto-taxis (tuk-tuks) are the most popular way to get around town, but the ones in Espita are different from moto-taxis in other regions and are called tricitaxis in local parlance. Tricitaxis are basically open frames attached to a motorcycle. They look rickety to many foreign visitors, but that only adds to the sense of adventure in using one to get around. There are almost always some tricitaxis for hire near the town square (zocalo).

Festivals

 * Natividad - Espita's biggest party of the year is a Christmas celebration held from December 19 through the 26. It began as a more somber religious celebration but has expanded over the years to include regional folk dances and music, parades, mounds of food and plenty of good cheer. Festivities begin on the 19th in the main church where a statue of baby Jesus is lowered from its niche. A temporary bullring is set up for charreadas and bullfights. The biggest day of celebration is Christmas Day itself, December 25.

Go next

 * Ek Balam
 * Valladolid
 * Rio Lagartos