Ubicación: Jarácuaro

The Ancient Island of the Moon Goddess 🌕

Jarácuaro is a place where time seems to have a different rhythm. Its name, which in Purépecha evokes the "Place where Xaratanga (the Moon Goddess) is worshipped," reveals its sacred past.

Although you can reach it by car today, this town was once an island in Lake Pátzcuaro. Nature and human intervention joined its land to the mainland, but its soul remains insular and deeply mysterious.

📜 Cradle of History and Legend. Its roots run deep, dating back to around 550 AD. Here, the presence of Tariácuri, the great hero and priest of the empire, whose teachings forged the identity of the Purépecha people, is palpable. Jarácuaro was not just a village; it was a vital hub in the strategy and spirituality of the ancient state.

👴 The Home of “The Old Men” If Pátzcuaro is the heart, Jarácuaro is the rhythm. This community is world-renowned as the birthplace of the Dance of the Old Men (T’arhe Uarhukua). This is not simply a folk dance; it is a ritual of resistance, wisdom, and joy that has crossed borders. To see it performed here, in its place of origin, is to connect with the living root of the tradition.

👒 Hands that Weave Palm: The identity of Jarácuaro is also worn on the skin. The town is famous for its palm hats. Walking through its streets is to see artisans weaving natural fibers with ancient skill. Although agriculture (corn, beans, and wheat) now takes advantage of the fertile soils that were once lakebeds, palm crafts, textiles, and ceramics remain the cultural pride of its inhabitants.