Xico can be explored through its religious heritage, dance traditions and regional cuisine. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between cultural attractions in town and destinations nearby. In the center of Xico, the Parroquia de Santa María Magdalena houses the image of the town’s patron saint. In the Patio de las Palomas, the Museo del Vestido de Santa María Magdalena displays more than 820 dresses as a testament to devotion to Santa María Magdalena. The church and the collection offer two different points of reference: the image here, and the clothing as an expression of devotion there. Check the museum’s current visitor policies before your visit.

Religious Culture and Dance

A temple on Calle Guadalupe Victoria in the center of Xico dates from 1950 and features interior decoration rich in Guadalupan symbolism. The patron saint festival in Xico, honoring Santa María Magdalena, is associated with the month of July. Festivities include sawdust carpets, a monumental floral arch in front of the parish church, processions and dances, the burning of toritos, and the Xiqueñada, during which fighting bulls are released. If this festival affects your travel dates, check the specific event dates for the year you plan to visit.

The Casa de la Cultura in Xico has six areas presenting local dance traditions, the history of individual dances, costumes, masks and music. This adds a distinct theme to the town’s religious heritage: its dances and their history. When planning your cultural activities, you can focus on different aspects, such as the image of the patron saint, festival customs or local dance traditions.

Mole, Xonequi and Traditional Drinks

Mole is considered Xico’s most characteristic dish. It is a somewhat sweet variety made with ingredients including ancho chili, apple, chocolate, panela and banana. Xonequi is also part of the local cuisine: a bean soup made with the heart-shaped leaves of a vine of the same name. It is served with dough balls seasoned in lard. The two dishes differ in their basic form: mole is the sweet specialty, while Xonequi is a soup with leaves and dough balls. This makes them distinct culinary experiences, without reducing the local cuisine to a single flavor profile.

Traditional drinks from Xico include Verde de Xico and Licor de Mora. Licor de Mora contains alcohol and is made with mora from a plant endemic to the municipality. Its origin and alcohol content are part of the drink’s description; this does not imply that it is currently available for tasting. When planning your stay, you can consider food and drink as a separate focus alongside the religious and cultural attractions.

Nearby Destinations and Regional Orientation

Not all the cultural and natural attractions are located in the town itself. Nearby Xico, in Malseseca, the Museo Xicochimalco collection includes archaeological objects such as stone monoliths, spearheads, grinding stones, pottery and anthropomorphic sculptures. In Arroyo Seco, there is a waterfall more than 20 meters high on a property. Group visits are possible on weekdays by prior arrangement. The two places offer different highlights: archaeological objects in Malseseca and a waterfall in Arroyo Seco.

In the wider travel area, a state highway connects Xico with Coatepec, 9 km away, and Xalapa, 19 km away. When looking for accommodation in Xico, a useful first step is to distinguish between the town itself and nearby destinations. Consider whether your trip will focus mainly on religious culture, dance and cuisine in Xico, or also include Malseseca or Arroyo Seco. This can help you organize your priorities before looking for a hotel for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Temascalapa, Temascaltepec De González, San Martin Azcatepec, Texcoco De Mora, Huixquilucan De Degollado, Ixtapaluca, Juchitepec de Mariano Rivapalacio, Jocotitlán

Go to the wider travel overview: México.