Tonalá: Handicrafts, Traditions and Cerro de la Reina

Tonalá brings together natural vistas and culture: at Cerro de la Reina, the panorama stretches in all four directions; galleries, handicrafts and traditions offer other ways to explore the town. The range extends from the monument to Queen Cihualpilli to contemporary exhibitions and local foods. Consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay, and tailor your search for a vacation rental in Tonalá to the mix of experiences you’re looking for.

Views and a monument at Cerro de la Reina

Cerro de la Reina is considered a natural vantage point for meditation and observation. Its panorama in all four directions makes the hill a focal point in its own right, alongside Tonalá’s cultural attractions. At the summit, eight statues of Indigenous warriors guard the monument to Queen Cihualpilli, erected in 1887. The views, statues and monument bring together the landscape, a remembrance of the queen and a striking depiction of the warriors.

Art, exhibitions and handicrafts

The Candelario Medrano Gallery presents contemporary art exhibitions in photography, painting and sculpture. These three fields give you concrete points of reference when choosing art-related experiences for your trip. Since the exhibition program may change, check which exhibitions are currently on display before visiting.

The municipal handicrafts sales outlet in Tonalá showcases a range of the community’s craft techniques and Mexican folk art in a gallery. This puts the focus on traditional crafts as well as contemporary art. Talavera y Barro de México makes and sells items crafted from Talavera ceramics, as well as polished and polychrome clay. The different materials and finishes show that the ceramics on offer are not limited to just one type.

Productora Artesanal, a multidisciplinary workshop in Tonalá, offers another facet of the local creative scene. Its work brings together ceramics, metals, wood and architecture with art, design and crafts. This broadens the focus beyond ceramics to encompass different materials and creative fields.

Traditions and market days

The traditional Tastoanes dance symbolically depicts the battle between the Indigenous Tonaltecs and the Spanish conquistadors. It brings this conflict to life through dance, making it distinct from the town’s art and scenic attractions. A pilgrimage to Cerro de la Reina takes place on December 12 as part of the celebration of the Virgen de Guadalupe. The hill is therefore also connected with a religious tradition.

Thursday and Sunday are the designated market days for the Tianguis Artesanal de Tonalá; check the current schedule before your visit. This timing can affect your plans if you want to make the market the focus of a day of your trip.

Food and travel planning

Tonalá’s traditional culinary offerings include Pepián, Bolitas de boda, Adobo tapatío and Atole or Champurrado. These names give your travel plans a specific culinary focus alongside views, art and traditions.

When choosing a vacation rental, you can start by weighing which experiences you want to define your stay: handicrafts and exhibitions, the views and monument at Cerro de la Reina, traditions or food.

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