Atlacomulco, State of Mexico
For us it is the city on the crossroads. To the south is Toluca to the North Queretero. West is Guadalajara and Morelia, and to the East the Arco Norte takes you around Mexico city and onward to Puebla and points south.
by Dorothy Bell
Name: The name means “where there are wells.” from the Nahuatl language. The predominant native group calls the area Embaró, which is Mazahua for “colored rock”
Location: : Altacumulco I located in central Mexico just to the North East of Mexico City and only 63 kms from Toluca.
Weather: Like many central highland cities in Mexico, Altacumulco
Enjoys a temperate moist climate with most rain falling between June and September.
January Average Highs 21C (69.8F) Lows 7 C (44.6F)
July Average Highs 23C (73.4) Lows 12C (53.6F)
Population: 78,000 for the city and municipality
Elevation: 2,570 m (8,430 ft)
Founded: 1530s
Medical: Hospital, clinic
Money: Banks ATM
History:
Pre-Columbian Period
Before the arrival of the Spanish, the region was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Otomi and Mazahua. These groups had established agricultural communities and were part of the broader cultural landscape of central Mexico.
Colonial Period
With the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century, the area came under Spanish control. The name Atlacomulco is derived from Nahuatl, meaning “place of the water wells.” During the colonial period, the town developed as part of the Spanish encomienda system, where land and indigenous labor were allocated to Spanish settlers. The town’s colonial history is marked by the establishment of Catholic religious institutions and the imposition of Spanish culture and governance.
Post-Independence
After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, Atlacomulco became part of the newly independent nation. The 19th century saw various political and social changes, including the Reform War and the Mexican Revolution. During this period, the town remained a relatively quiet agricultural community.
The Atlacomulco Group
Atlacomulco gained national prominence in the mid-20th century due to the rise of the so-called “Atlacomulco Group” (Grupo Atlacomulco), an informal political network that is believed to have significant influence within the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). The group is named after the town because many of its prominent members hail from Atlacomulco. Key figures associated with the group include:
- Isidro Fabela: A prominent lawyer, politician, and diplomat who played a key role in the group’s formation.
- Alfredo del Mazo: Several generations of the Del Mazo family have been influential politicians from Atlacomulco, including governors of the State of Mexico.
- Carlos Hank González: A powerful politician and businessman associated with the group.
- Enrique Peña Nieto: The most notable recent figure from the group, he served as President of Mexico from 2012 to 2018.
Today:
Today, Atlacomulco is a municipality with a mix of urban and rural characteristics. It serves as a local economic and administrative center in the State of Mexico. The town has benefited from infrastructure development and economic growth, partly due to its political connections. Atlacomulco’s economy includes agriculture, commerce, and manufacturing.
Cultural and Social Aspects
Atlacomulco retains many traditional aspects of Mexican culture, including festivals, religious celebrations, and local crafts. The town is known for its sense of community and the blending of indigenous and Spanish cultural elements.
Challenges and Development
Like many regions in Mexico, Atlacomulco faces challenges related to economic development, infrastructure, and social inequality. Efforts to improve education, healthcare, and living standards are ongoing. The political legacy of the Atlacomulco Group continues to shape perceptions and developments in the area.
Conclusion
Atlacomulco’s historical and political significance makes it an interesting example of how local areas can influence national politics. The town’s development from a pre-Columbian settlement to a modern municipality reflects broader trends in Mexican history, including colonialism, independence, political change, and economic development.
Getting there:
Drive from.Guadalajara on Highway 15 or 15D directly East to Altacumulco. Drive Highway Arco Norte to the North end.
