Few people know about this prehispanic religious celebration that dates back to the 16th Century. It began during the 40 days of Lent, when the Way of the Cross was re-enacted on the Wednesdays before Holy Week. The Dominican friars had the custom of offering the residents of Ocotlán tamales and atole, a traditional corn-based drink, while they taught them about Christianity.

Currently, the Spanish Placitas start on the Wednesday following Ash Wednesday, when the residents of Ocotlán´s neighborhoods participate in the prayer of the Way of the Cross. After attending mass, they go out to enjoy what´s being offered along the streets, especially atole and tamales made in the old way. These treats are sold in improvised booths set up in the zocalo and around the kiosk. Musical groups add to this traditional fair.

There´s also a contest among the young girls of Ocotlán to select the queen of the celebration. The city leaders present the winner with a bouquet of roses and a sash with the title “madrina” .

Ocotlán is a beautiful  place that offers many sites of cultural interest. These include the house of the painter Rodolfo Morales, where you can enjoy a museum of antiquities, the museum of the ex-convent, the temple of Santo Domingo Ocotlán, the mural of the municial palace, the workshops of the Aguilar sisters, local sweets and much more.