The Río Bobos, citrus groves and the processing of vanilla offer different perspectives on Martínez De La Torre: the city’s history by the river, a landscape marked by blossoms in the surrounding area, and a local culinary tradition. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, these themes can help you choose what interests you about the destination.
River history and the surrounding landscape
Apart from scattered Totonac settlements in the area, the history of Martínez De La Torre dates back to 1567. At that time, the region was called “Los Llanos de Almería” and granted as an encomienda to a group of Spaniards; the city now stands on this land. At the beginning of the 19th century, the settlement on the Río Bobos below the present-day bridge between the city and Villa Independencia was known as Paso de Novillos. These references mark different historical chapters: the naming and granting of a region in the 16th century, and a place name by the river in the 19th century.
In the wider area around Martínez De La Torre, San Rafael and Nautla, orange and lemon groves along the roads shape the landscape during blossom season. Their fragrance then spreads throughout the region. This seasonal scene adds a view of the surrounding area to the city’s history; it is especially appealing to travelers who want to experience the region’s landscape as well as its culture.
Festivals and cultural events
The traditional Fiesta de San Isidro is celebrated on May 15 in honor of the city’s patron saint. The festival includes sporting and cultural events, horse races, a palenque, jaripeos, folk dances, a public plantain exhibition, and performances by the Voladores de Papantla. The program brings together different ways of celebrating and performing. If you want to plan your trip around the Fiesta, check the dates for your travel year.
Individual events also offer specific cultural points of interest: in 2026, the 6th Concurso de Robótica ROBOTEC took place on the esplanade of Parque José María Mata, organized by the Tecnológico de Martínez de la Torre. The public family event “Buzón anónimo para mamá,” attended by children and members of the public, was held in the same park. The children’s art exhibition “Colores de la Infancia Martinense” was open to the public at the Casa de la Cultura in April 2026, through April 30. These examples relate to specific events; they should not be taken as a recurring annual program.
Family events featuring cultural performances on the Río Bobos were held at the Malecón in Martínez De La Torre in August 2018. Also in 2018, the Malecón was proposed as a natural venue for artistic and cultural events. These represent a past event and a proposal for how the site could be used. The musical profile of the Municipio Martínez de la Torre includes Son Jarocho, Danzón, Décimas and popular music.
Vanilla and regional cuisine
Vanilla was an important source of income in Martínez De La Torre. There were specialty shops for it, known as “vainilleras”; people in the city still process vanilla today. This links its historical economic role with a processing tradition that continues to the present day.
The culinary profile of the Municipio Martínez de la Torre includes artisanal dairy products from the communities of El Ojite and Mentidero: Pay de Queso, Queso de Hebra, Queso Crema and Queso Botanero. Acamayas al mojo de ajo and Chilpozo de pollo y gallina are also among the dishes of the Municipio’s cuisine. These foods and dishes complement the story of vanilla processing with other regional products and specialties.
More to explore in the Municipio
The Municipio Martínez de la Torre also offers cultural and natural attractions. The archaeological site of El Pital is a vegetated hill in banana plantations, with a pyramidal base and steps on its eastern side. Estero Tres Bocas, for adventure and fishing tourism, and El Faro, for ecotourism and boat trips, are also designated tourist centers in the Municipio. These places broaden the view beyond the city to include other aspects of the Municipio.
Discover more destinations: Perote, El Tamarindo, Coatepec, Juan Díaz Covarrubias, Teocelo, Boca Del Río, Chachalacas, Laguna Verde
For the broader travel overview: Veracruz.
