San Andrés Tuxtla 6.52

San Andrés Tuxtla is a city and municipality is the south of the Mexican state of Veracruz. The city is the largest in the Los Tuxtlas region. It was founded after an eruption of the San Martín Volcano pushed people into this valley during the early colonial period. Since the 19th century, the area has been the center of Mexico’s production of fine tobacco, mostly used in the making of cigars. The best known cigar producer here, Te Amo, is considered to be one of the best brands in the world.The cityThe city of San Andrés Tuxtla is the largest city in the municipality of the same name and in the entire Los Tuxtlas regions. It is located in a small valley with the San Martín Volcano towering above it.The city is centered on a square called Parque Lerdo, which has a circular kiosk in the center. Every Sunday the city sponsors cultural events such as art exhibitions and traditional music and dance, such and fandango and zapateado dance. Much of this reflects Afro-Mexican influence.The main structure is the Cathedral of Saint Joseph and Saint Andrew, built in 1870 with sleek bell towers and a sober facade with Neoclassical influence. The patron saint of the city is Saint Andrew, who is celebrated on November 29 and 30. On the 29th, the main event is the running a bull figure made of reeds with the local youth. This is followed by a parade of mojigangas, large figures of hollow cartonería on a frame, worn on the shoulders of a dancer. These figures were brought to the area by the Spanish and over time have been modified to a unique Tuxtla style. On the 30th, there is mass and a procession with a large image of the saint pulled by tractor and surrounded by mojigangas. There are also releases of sky lanterns. Another important annual event is Las Ramas on December 16, which begin Las Posadas, a type of caroling event carrying branches.