Tarímbaro: Churches, Colonial Buildings and Carnival

Tarímbaro brings together sacred architectural history and festive culture. Churches, colonial-style buildings and traditional carnival figures offer different ways to experience the town. You can plan your stay around your interest in architecture, regional history or festive traditions and consider which of these themes matters most to you before looking for a vacation rental.

Churches and Historic Buildings

The Templo Parroquial de San Miguel Arcángel was built in 1570 and is an example of the 16th-century Plateresque style. The Parroquia de San Miguel is considered an important tourist attraction in the municipal capital and is listed in the INAH public register of monuments. The complex includes a cloister with monolithic columns from the former monastery and an open chapel. In the past, open-air Masses were held there for Indigenous people. The temple’s architecture, the history of the former monastery and the chapel’s former religious use thus come together in one complex.

A 2022 municipal development plan described the temple as being in good condition despite alterations to the altarpiece, pilaster capitals and atrium; check its current condition and visitor arrangements before your visit.

The Santuario de la Virgen de la Escalera was built in 1751 and is next to the former Convento-hospital. The Palacio del Ayuntamiento is a colonial-style building. Its stairwell walls feature the mural “Historia de Tarímbaro” by Carlos López Tapia, completed in 2007. Check in advance whether the mural is currently on view. Around the main square, the Casa Ejidal, formerly called Casa del Diezmo, is also one of the colonial-style buildings.

Carnival and Local Festive Culture

Tarímbaro’s carnival is traditionally associated with the making of monumental Toritos de petate. According to the traditional account, this custom has been passed down from generation to generation for four and a half centuries. Paper Toritos are also among the representative handicrafts of the municipality of Tarímbaro. A 2022 municipal plan also describes a competition between the neighborhoods of Santa Cruz, San Marcos and La Doctrina to choose the carnival queen. If you want to travel for the carnival, check the current dates and program in advance.

At the Feria del Atole y el Tamal, tamales were offered for tasting on the main square of the municipal capital from October 28 to 30, 2022. A 2022 municipal plan listed a Feria del Pulque on February 24, together with the municipal anniversary and Flag Day. It also listed a celebration in honor of Our Lady of La Escalera on September 8 and a celebration of San Miguel Arcángel on September 29. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these occasions, check the current dates beforehand.

Fields and Historic Sites West of Tarímbaro

In October 2024, a guided Ruta de las Flores included a drive through the fields of the municipality of Tarímbaro. Ask in advance about current dates and whether the tour is currently offered. West of Tarímbaro is the Ex hacienda de Guadalupe, built toward the end of the 18th century. There is also an archaeological zone at Cerro de La Mesa, west of Tarímbaro. According to accounts by older residents, the remains of a Purépecha yácata are said to lie there; the site is covered with weeds and large amounts of earth.

Your reason for traveling therefore matters when choosing a vacation rental: would you mainly like to explore the historic buildings and festive traditions, or also include a guided drive through the municipality’s fields? Tailor your search to that focus and your travel dates; check current dates for tours and festivals in advance.

Discover more destinations: Zamora, Apatzingán De La Constitución, Jacona De Plancarte, Tupitina, Pastor Ortiz, Morelos, Mineral De Angangueo, Las Cruces.

Go to the main travel overview: Michoacán.