Xonotla

Infobox Settlement
name = Xonotla
settlement_type = Municipality
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Mexico
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Puebla
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population_density_km2=auto
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leader_title = Municipal president
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subdivision_type2 = Municipal seat
subdivision_name2 = Xonotla (town)
subdivision_type3 = Largest city
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timezone = CST
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = CDT
utc_offset_DST = -5
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Xonotla is a town located northeast of Puebla in Mexico. Its borders are with Tuzamapan de Galeana to the north, Cuetzálan del Progreso to the east, Zoquiapan and Nauzontla to the south and Caxhuacan and Huehuetla to the west.

Name

Its name comes from the Nahuatl words "Xonotl, jonote" that means hard crust, and "Tla" that means abundant, so the meaning of both mixed is "Where the jonote is abundant".

The people named this place "Xonotla" because there are many trees called of this way whose oil was used to cure hurts. The place was named by Ixocélotl whose name means "Tiger Face"

It has 73.99 square kilometers and is 800 meters over the sea and goes down 500 meters toward the Zempoala and Tozán rivers.

History

The place was founded by Ixocélotl in 1180 A.D.

Xonotla was a densely populated area when the conquistadors came. Two languages were spoken at that time, Náhuatl and Totonaca.

In 1591, San Martín Tuzamapan, Santiago Ecatlán and San Francisco Ayotoxco belonged to Xonotla. Moctezuma conquered this area and received tribute of corn, beans and chile when it was available.

The people worshiped Totonac.

On 13 August 1552 Diego Ramirez charted the town.

In 1608, an epidemic swept through the town.

Climate

The climate is humid and warm, with rains throughout the year.

Main ecosystems

Flora are chalahuite, jonote, blood of degree, encino, charcoal, cedar, mahogany and a great variety of perennial leaf shrubs. It has ferns, including arborescentes, orchids, camellias, lilies and tulips. Agriculture consists of coffee plantations and small corn farms.

Fauna range from armadillo, wild boar, coyote, tejón, rabbit, squirrel, doves and to chachalacas. Reptiles include coralillo, flying, aquatic nauyaca, mazacuate, trout, catfish, prawn, acamaya, and others.

Natural resources

Wood forests are used for construction.

Characteristics of ground:

There are 4 ground groups:

Litosol: It is the predominant ground.It occupies more than 50% of the surface mainly in the central and sud-occidental portion.

Regosol: It is located in the northeastern portion.It presents onerous phase.

Feozem: It is located in the creek of Apulco.

Andosol: It is located in a reduced area of the southwest

Population

There are 2 ethnic groups. The first one is the Náhuatl which is the biggest one followed by the Totonaco.

According with the 1995 populations count ther are 4,559 people living there.

Economic activity

Xonotla produces corn, beans and coffee. Farm animals include cattle, pigs, goats, donkeys and rabbits.

Catfish, prawns, mojarra, robalo, acamayas and rive can be fished.

The primary industries are nixtamal mills and furniture manufacturing.

Tourism

Legend has it that a miracle took place in the church. Many years ago, a native walking across the mountain saw a rock fall away from the mountain. He investigated to see if everything was all right, and found a virgin maiden in a cave. People pray at the site.

References

*http://emexico.gob.mx/work/EMM_1/Puebla/Mpios/21088a.htm