Tetecala

Prehispanic history Vestiges of Olmec, Chichimeca, and Tlahuica Prehispanic human settlements have been found in the area that includes modern Tetecals. It is evident that there were settlements of different sizes and that it was an important place of passage between the manors of Coatlán and Mazatepec. Colonial history Tetecala was founded between 1521 and 1583 when it first appears on a map. By 1594 it was called San Francisco de Tetecala and it was an important agricultural center. Cuautitla was founded about this time. By 1746, Tetecala and the surrounding area had 266 families of "Indians" and 32 of "Spaniards and Mestizos", as well as some of "Mulatos." Eighty years later, the population had increased to 4,040 inhabitants that were distributed in the town of Tetecala, five haciendas, and ten ranches. By Royal Decree of December 4, 1786, the Municipality of Tetecala corresponded to the State of Mexico. 21st Century The Escuela de Estudios Superiores de Tetecala (School of Higher Education of Tetecala), affiliated with the Morelos State University opened in August 2016 in Mazatepec. The initial programs were in nursing and nutrition; a program for Rural Surgeons opened in January 2018. The school had 208 students; the rector of the UAEM was Gustavo Urquiza Beltrán, and the first director of the school in Tetecala was Miriam Tapia. Six people died during the September 19, 2017 earthquake. The state of Morelos reported 209 cases and 28 deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico as of April 27, 2020; two cases were reported in Tetecala. Schools and many businesses were closed from mid March until June 1. On July 2, Tetecala reported 11 infections and three deaths from the virus; the reopening of the state was pushed back until at least June 13. Tetecala reported 13 cases, 13 recuperations, but no deaths from the virus as of August 31. Twenty-two cases were reported on December 27, 2020. ==Tourism and attractions==

The church of San Francisco of Assisi is in the historic center of Tetecala. It was built in the 18th century in Neoclassic style. The chapel of the Virgin of Candlemas, also from the 18th century, is located on the federal highway. There is a colonial-era fountain in front of the chapel of the Alma de de la Virgin. There is a panoramic view of the town from the top of the hill of "Las Cruces". Cascos de las Haciendas (manor houses) nearby include Santa Cruz Vista Alegre, Actopan, Cuautlita, and Cocoyotla). The traditional tianguis (market) is on Tuesday. ==Culture==

Local fiestas are held on February 2 (Virgen de la Candelaria) in Tetecala, May 15 (St. Isidore the Laborer) in Actopan, July 31 (St. Ignatius of Loyola) in Actopan, September 29 (St. Michael the Archangel) in Cuautitla, October 4 (San Francisco de Asís) in Tetecala, and December 12 (Virgin of Guadalupe) in the "El Paso" neighborhood. There are two brass bands, one Cuautlita and another in Tetecala. Tetecala was the birthplace of several well-known performers and composers. Saddle-making and basket weaving are local handicrafts. Local food includes corn or chickpea pozole with pork, chicken and even shrimp; beef jerky with cream and cheese or pork enchilada; green pip mole, red turkey mole, fish in mixiote, tamal, and clemole seasoned with wild plums and tamarind; peppers stuffed with cheese and mincemeat, and huazontles. Traditional sweets such as pumpkin, sweet pipían, crystallized fruit, quince, tejocote, fruits in syrup, cajeta (crystalized goat's milk), buñuelos, and ice cream are also made. ==Communities==

Tetecala de la Reforma is the municipal seat. Colonias El Charco, San Francisco Sarabia, and El Cerrito de las Cruces are parts of the city. The city is 47 km (29 miles) south of Cuernavaca and 135 km (84 miles) from Mexico City. Cuautlita is located 6 km southeast of the Tetecala de la Reforma and includes Colonia Mariano Matamoros. Contlalco is 25 km south of Tetecala de la Reforma. Actopan is 1 km west of Tetecala de la Reforma. ==Geography==

Location and area Relief and waterways Climate Flora and fauna Natural resources ==See also==