Comitán, Chiapas

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Comitán, Chiapas

Comitán Fast Facts

The Mayas named the city Balún Canán or "Nine Stars" which was changed to Comitán de las Flores (Comitán means place of potters)

Formally changed to the present name of Comitán de Dominguez after Belesario Domingez – a Comitán born Senator who spoke out in congress against the murderous dictator Huerta and who then was subsequently assassinated.

Location – Located in the State of Chiapas in the highlands.

Elevation – 1,160 Meters 2,550 FT

Population – 98,000

Weather – High mountain plain. Cool weather most of the year with cold weather from October to March

Founded Conquered by Pedro de Portocarrero was sent by the conqueror of Guatemala, Captain Pedro de Alvarado in January 1528 and then in 1556 the missionary Diego Tinoco came to the area.

Industry - Agriculture (coffee, livestock). National Tourism.

Money – Banks, ATMs

Airport - Military Airport. Closest commercial airport is San Christobal de las Casas and Tuxtla Guerrero.

Medical - Numerous hospitals, clinics, doctors and dentists

History: Since 600 A.D. the Maya Tzeltal Indians occupied this important area for trade routes and ceremonial centers. The Aztecs arrived and dominated the people in the 15^th century but did not conquer or rule the area.

When the Spanish arrived the Indians fought fiercely and continued to attack and stage revolts against Spanish occupation. In 1712 Chiapas and Guatemala Indians waged a particularly bloody war against slavery and oppression. In 1821 Catholic priest Matías Antonio de Córdoba declared independence from Spain and signed in Comitán. Two years later a plebiscite allowed Chiapas to join as a state within the republic of Mexico.

Belisario Domínguez Palencia was born on April 1863, and completed his early educated in Comatin before completing his studies in San Chriristobal and París France to become a medical sugeon. He returned to the city, began a practice, married and founded a newspaper. He continually opposed President Porfirio Diaz and later helped organized a Liberal Club and bécame Mayor of Comatin. Later when he bécame a Senator he was also an outspoken critic of Huerta the Mexican Dictator. Huerta had him assasinated in 1913.

Because of the remote location only large landowners participated in the debates and battle of the Mexican Revolution and after the war the landowners were rewarded with no land reforms for the indigenous. Inequity continued and the 1900 Zapatista uprising was felt throughout the state.

Festivals:

January - All Month

Sitting Child. Celebrated state-wide. A child sits in a small chair and sings to God. The party host gives the child a bag with honey wafers, sweet wine and tamales.
January 12-20 - Comitán fair

Comitán fair is based on flowers and honors the Roman martyr, St. Sebastian (January 20). Established in 1828m it is associated Comitán bullfighting.

July - International Festival of Cultures and the Arts Rosario Castellanos

It is the feast of the patron saint in the land of amber. It is also celebrated in many communities Tzeltal and Tojolabal. The community gathers for the conduct of the procession.

Tribute to one of the leading exponents of literature Chiapas. Sample music, theater, dance, literature and visual arts with artists in Chiapas and elsewhere.

August 1 -10- Feast of Santo Domingo de Guzman

Feast celebrating the patron saint of Comitán.

Things to see:

Rosario Castellanos Cultural Center

Originally built in the late 1500’s, Convent of Saint Domingo was rebuilt after a number of different uses in 1948. It is now a cultural center and contains an interesting mural painted by Rafael Munoz Lopez about the history of Comitán.

The Archaeological Museum Comitán is located on the grounds of the cultural center and contains artifacts from the area from prehistoric times up to the Post classic period 8000 years BC.

Dr. Belesario Dominguez House Museum - The museum is where local hero Dr. Belisario Dominguez lived and worked and offers in site into the early 20th century political and professional life.

Numerous Churches

Driving to Comitán:

Comitán is found directly South of San Christobal de las Casas on Mex Highway 190 Between KM165 & KM175.