| General Information On Taxco. Origin and Etimology: TEO-GOD/ TLAL-LAND/CO-ON. "The Gods on Earth" Tlalco "Land Without Gods", now Taxco. Bernal Diaz del Castillo wrote that Gonzalo de Umbria, on passing through Tlalco (Taxco el Viejo, the old Taxco) in 1529, saw a Tianguis (open air market) in which tin coins were being used, but it wasn't until 1599 that Spanish authorities settled Atachi. Mountain (Atachi- Atatzin, Lord of the Waters), which later became what we know as TAXCO. |
| Geographical Situation. Taxco is situated at 18 degrees 15' 36". Northern Latitude and 01 degrees 49" Longitude of the Mexican Occidental Meridan, 163 kilometers from the port of Acapulco, at an altitude of 1,645 meters above sea level. The subsoil of this region has veins of iron ore, spathe, lime and quartz, lead sulphide, yellow and brown native zinc, rich veins of silver and in a smaller proportion, the coverted metal gold. |
| Local Population. The main activity of the population is silver smithing with it's various ramifications. The mining industry continues developing with modern techniques being utilized in the explorations. The hotel and restaurant industry occupy an important spot as a great number of people depend economically on tourism. Blacksmithing and carpentry are also part of Taxco's crafts, notable for their " Colonial" style and the fine quality of the designs. |
| Places of Interest: Santa Prisca Church (Parroquia De Santa Prisca). The construction of the Santa Prisca Church began in the year 1751 and was completed on December 3, 1758. The architect in charge was Don Diego Duran and the master mason was Juan Caballero. Comissioned by Don Jose de la Borda. The cost of the construction was $1,661,572 pesos. Old Convent (Ex - Convento) of San Bernardino De Sena. In 1553 the first Franciscan spiritual conquerors appeared among the Indians. The first stone was laid for this Church and Convent on April 5, 1595. Spratling Museum (Museo Spratling). In his will William Spratling (1906 - 1967), a prominent American promotor of silver handcrafts left all the archeological pieces that he collected throughout the years he spent here to the people of Taxco. It is very interesting to see the pieces that show the development of Chontal Indians, ceramics, statuettes, utensils and jewelry exhibited in this museum. His ranch and silversmithing plus samples of his designs can be seen during weekdays just past Taxco El Viejo. |
| Festivals: |
| Easter Week - During the months of March/April. The Alarconian Theatrical Festival - Month of May National Silver Fair - Celebrated during the month of November. Virgin of Guadalupe - December 12th. There are many other throughout the year at the 9 churches in the different areas of Taxco. |