Puebla
Having left Mexico city, we travelled to Puebla, renowned for its Spanish baroque architecture, pottery and ceramics, and rich gastronomy. The historic center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning buildings dating back to the 16th century.
With Christmas festivities in full swing, the central plaza was buzzing with colour and activity.
Just outside the historic centre, the streets become a fiesta for the eyes, louder than a mariachi band at a quiet café — bold, colorful, and impossible to ignore.
Many of the buildings explode with creativity, their walls brought to life by stunning murals featuring everything from traditional motifs to bold contemporary art.
We spent the day wandering through Puebla's vibrant streets, each offering its own unique charm. Callejón de los Sapos with its lively market and antique treasures (while not your normal tourist souveneir i bought a car number plate), while the Barrio de los Artistas (Artist Quarter) invited us to watch local talent bring their creations to life.
At the Parián Market, artisans showcased handcrafted gems, including the iconic Talavera pottery. Although we were tempted by the intricate designs, the best we could manage to carry home was a single, beautifully painted ceramic tile—a small but cherished piece of Puebla.
Goat cheese and raisins in a drink? Who would have thought this would become famous.
La Pasita is a small (standing room only) bar openend in 1916 by Emilio Contreras Aicardo. He invented a drink that gave the establishment its current name: pasita – a sweet liqueur made of raisins, served in a caballito (tequila glass), and decorated with a cube of fresh goat cheese and a raisin stuck on a toothpick.
Interestingly it is only open for a few hours each afternoon.
When it comes to Mexican spirits, tequila might get most of the spotlight, but mezcal is its smoky, soulful sibling is more famous in Oaxaca and Puebla. Mezcal is distilled from the heart of the agave plant, following an ancient and artisanal process, much of it by hand.
What i did learn is Mezcal, and a good tequila in fact, is to be sipped not as a shot. Remember - next time slow down, savor, and appreciate.
It seems the Mexicans have a fondness for insects. Not only do they put it in their drinks but it is a local snack. Dried chapulines (grasshoppers) are a unique and traditional delicacy and are enjoyed as snacks, in tacos, or as garnishes for various dishes. Unfortunately I could not get Kathy to endulge.
Beneath the streets lies an intricate network of tunnels, tracing their origins back to the Spanish colonial period. Initially built for water management, these subterranean passageways hold a wealth of secrets. Over the centuries, they are believed to have served as hidden routes for soldiers, priests, and even daring smugglers.
Catedral de Puebla was onstructed between 1575 and 1690, and showcases a blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Baroque styles. The elaborate façade outside is matched by the equally ornate interior with paintings and intricate altarpieces.
The Church of Santo Domingo, is equally impressive with its intricate baroque façade and ornate interior featuring opulent gold leaf decorations, elaborate sculptures, and breathtaking ceiling.
But there’s another “religion” in Mexico, and it’s called Lucha Libre. What’s that, you ask? Picture this: a wild blend of acrobatics, slapstick comedy, and crowds so excited, they put European football fans to shame.
Welcome to Lucha Libre, Mexico’s thrilling world of professional wrestling, where masked wrestlers defy gravity, bounce off ropes, and pull off moves that break every law of physics. You’ve got your heroic técnico (good guy) and your sneaky rudo (bad guy)—the battle between good and evil is real here.
And let’s not forget the fashion. The masks? They’re as colorful as a piñata, and the outfits are straight out of a superhero movie. The crowd? Let’s just say they’re more pumped than if they were watching the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and a concert all rolled into one. It’s not just a sport—it’s a full-throttle, mask-wearing, action-packed spectacle!
Just outside Puebla lies Cholula, home to the Tlachihualtepetl Pyramid, also known as the Tepanapa Pyramid. You might think the world’s largest pyramid is in Egypt, right? Think again. What I quickly learned is that this massive structure is actually twice the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza! Its base stretches 400 by 400 meters, with a total volume of 4.45 million cubic meters. Unlike most pyramids, though, it’s not as easy to spot. That’s because the Spanish built a church on top, so you’ll find a quaint little church standing proud atop this ancient giant.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies Church) is a significant 16th-century Catholic Church that the Spanish constructed atop the ancient Tlachihulteptl Pyramid. It provides amazing views of the surrounding city.
What makes the view even more spectacular is the backdrop of two towering volcanoes—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl—looming majestically over the church. These mighty peaks, known as the "Smoking Mountain" and the "White Woman," provide a dramatic setting.
While not as famous as Our Lady of Remedies Church, there seems to be a church on every street corner such as Parish of San Pedro Cholula.
Like its neighbouring suburb, Cholula streets are a riot of colour and art.
Unfortunately, our time in Puebla and Cholula must come to an end so it is time to move on to our next adventure in Oaxaca.
See part 3 about Oaxaca here.