Nochistlán de Mejía

Nochistlán de Mejía is a colonial settlement in Zacatecas situated at roughly 1,870 meters elevation. The locality spreads across a rural landscape with traditional structures and open agricultural areas surrounding the center.

The settlement was founded in 1531 when Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán instructed Cristóbal de Oñate to establish a settlement here. This location served as the first site of Guadalajara before the city was relocated.

The El Papaqui festival takes place each January, when people cover their faces with flour and break confetti-filled eggs in joyful celebration. This local tradition brings the community together in a time of shared festivity and laughter.

The city center has basic services within walking distance, with minibuses and buses connecting to nearby towns. Morning visits work well for exploring at a relaxed pace and getting oriented around the plaza area.

Every Sunday evening, the tradition of La Serenata unfolds at the plaza, where men form an outer circle and women walk through the middle. This old ritual reveals how the community has maintained its own style of social gathering.

Location: Nochistlán de Mejía Municipality

Inception: 1532

Elevation above the sea: 1,874 m

GPS coordinates: 21.36060,-102.84600

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:08