Puebla, formally Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza and also known as Puebla de los Ángeles, is the seat of Puebla Municipality, the capital and largest city of the state of Puebla, and one of the five most important Spanish colonial cities in Mexico. A colonial era-planned city, it is located in (southern) Central Mexico on the main route between the capital, Mexico City, and Mexico’s main Atlantic port, Veracruz—about 100km east southeast of Mexico City and about 220 km west of Veracruz.
The city was founded in 1531 in an area called Cuetraxcopán, which means “where snakes change their skin, it is located between two of the main indigenous settlements in their time, Tlaxcala and Cholula. This valley was not populated until the 16th century; this area was mainly used for the “flower war” between a large number of populations. Due to its great history and architectural styles ranging from the Renaissance to the Mexican Baroque, the city was named a World Heritage Site in 1987. The city is also known for its mole poblano, chiles en nogada and the poetry of Talavera. However, most of its economy is based on industry.
Being both the fourth largest city in Mexico and the fourth largest Metropolitan area in Mexico, it has a current population of 3,250,000 people, the city serves as one of the main hubs for eastern Central Mexico. Many students come from all over the country to study in its many renowned and prestigious colleges, such as BUAP, UDLAP, Ibero, UPAEP and Tecnológico de Monterrey, among others. The city is also important because of its industry, with the world’s largest Volkswagen factory outside of Germany located in the Municipality of Cuautlancingo and Audi plant in San José Chiapa being the most technologically advanced plant in the western hemisphere. As a result, many suppliers to Volkswagen and Audi assembly plants have opened factories in the metro area of Puebla.
Puebla is located at the Valley of Puebla also known as the Valley of Cuetlaxcoapan, a large valley surrounded on four sides by the mountains and volcanoes of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt. It is located 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, giving the residents a magnificent view of their snow-topped peaks.
The climate is moderated by its high altitude of 2,200 m (7,217.85 ft). As a result, it rarely gets truly hot in Puebla, with an average of only three days seeing temperatures rise above 29 °C (84 °F). Night temperatures are cool at all times of the year. Puebla experiences a dry season from November through April and a rainy season from May–October. The valley has a temperate climate while the higher elevations have cold climates. Most rain falls in the summer and early fall.
Every year on 5 May, Puebla celebrates the defeat of invading French troops here in 1862. Celebrations include several days of concerts, lectures, other cultural activities. On the 5th itself, there is a very large parade and a re-enactment of the battle. The parade includes Mexican Army, Navy, Special Forces and soldiers dressed in period uniform. The military displays tanks, Humvees and armored personnel carriers. Civilian participation includes school bands, students and floats, both from Mexico and from abroad.
We really hope you enjoy this beautiful city and this great country, welcome to Mexico.
¡Bienvenido a Puebla!