La Frailesca, Agricultural region in Chiapas, Mexico
La Frailesca is an agricultural region in Chiapas, Mexico, situated between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Central Depression with varying elevations across its landscape. Seven municipalities make up the area, with Villaflores serving as the main administrative center.
The region took its name from Dominican friars who established haciendas and conducted missions during colonial times, shaping early settlement patterns. This religious influence remained a defining part of the territory's development.
The region's name reflects the heritage of Dominican friars who settled here centuries ago, and local communities maintain their own Spanish dialect passed down through families. This linguistic tradition shapes how people communicate and express themselves in daily life across the seven municipalities.
The best way to explore the region is to base yourself in the main administrative center and travel to the various municipalities from there, as roads connect the communities. Altitude variations mean conditions differ depending on where you go.
A major dam built in the 1960s created a large reservoir that completely transformed the local landscape and remains a striking feature today. This construction altered the geography in ways visitors can still observe when traveling through the region.
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