MexCrafts: Chilapa, Guerrero, Mex.



Cristobal Colon #13; Fracc. Costa Azul; C.P. 39850; Acapulco, Gro. México Tel/Phone: +52 (7) 486-6345; Fax: +52 (7) 486-9506 E-mail:info@mexcrafts.com.mx

Chilapa city...

MexCrafts

Guerrero State

The Chilapa de Alvarez municipality, has a territorial extension of 214.98 mi2. Its name comes from the Nahuatl language: Chilapan. Meaning Chilli=red, Atl=water, Pan=on; "Chili field in the water" or "The red river".

This municipality is composed of 161 communities, the most important being Atzacualoya, Acatlán, Ayahualulco, Tlamixtlahuacan and Nejapa.

Dirrections to Chilapa, Guerrero .-

Acapulco to Chilapa: 121.78 mile by road.

Driving total time: 2:00 hours.

Easy access during the rainy season.

Historical, Political and Commercial Development.-

This municipality is named in homage to General Juan Alvarez, who was provisionally elected as President of the Mexican Republic on October 4th, 1855.

It is thought that the first ethnic groups belonged to the Mezcala culture, settled in the southern region of the West American Meseta, which today includes Tixtla, Chilapa, Zumpango del Río and a portion of the central area of the State of Guerrero.

Traces of ceramics were found which had influences of the Olmecan and Tehotihuacan cultures (1400 - 200 BC), including a stone sculpture similar to the famous Teotihuacan Mask, which is embelished almost completly with tiny turquoise fragments (the stone of the gods). Beginnig around 400 BC, there was an active cultural exchange with the Purepechas, Mixtecos and Mayas.

But it was not until 1817, due to the intense commercial activity and political importance of the region, that Chilapa was incorporated as a municipallity, and by decree in 1873, added Alvarez to it's official name.

Today, the municipality is head of the 3rd Electoral District of the State of Guerrero and the 10th Federal Electoral District.

Economically, it's main production is based on articles fabricated from palm leaves such as ornamental flowers and handicrafts, besides corn, vegetables, beans, garlic and onions. There are only three producer's associations such as the Fideicomiso de la Palma (FIDEPAL Palmleaf Trust), the Cámara Nacional de Comercio (CANACO National Chamber of Commerce) and the Cámara Nacional de la Industria Restaurantera y Alimentos Condimentados (CANIRAC National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Foods Industry).

There is a high rate of unemployment since arts and crafts manufacturing is low and their commercialization is difficult due to the lack of handicraft organizations. The FIDEPAL only has approximately thirty artisans. Furthermore, their agriculture is based on the seasonal rainy climate, thus during the dry season, there is a high migration rate to the United States.