It is located to the south-east of Veracruz, within the basin of Papaloapan, on the coast of The Gulf of Mexico, 90km from the port of Veracruz, and around 500km from the Federal District.

It was founded around the twelfth century and at that time was territory of the Totonacs. Its name comes from three ingigenous terms, Tlacotl:which approximates Pitcher, Tlalli:Earth and finally Pan:Above, giving it a practical meaning of, “Land of the Pitchers”.

Originally Totonac, it was later occupied by The Olmecs, in the thirteenth century and its center was located in what is today Alvarado, Pozutlan, Tiazitlata and Ahuatcopan.

In the year 1889, the haciendas of El Zapotal and that of the Chazaro Brothers, were divided, and at the beginning of the 20th century river transport was superceded by the Isthmus Railway. That change had great significance and Tlacotalpan was declared a city by decree on 31 December 1965.

Shield
The shield in the center has a “T”, taken from Tlacotalpan,which from its tree form symbolises the protection and shelter that it gives to its inhabitants. It also represents The Deity of birth and the renewal of life.

At the foot of the shield symbols which represent the development of the intellectual spirit are found.

The years 1865 and 1965 are marked which remembers the century since its elevation to city status.

General Facts
This municpality is small in comparison with others,and its surface area of 646,51 km2 represents 0.89 % of the State of Veracruz.Two rivers, The San Juan and El Tuxpan, tributaries of el Rio Papaloapan flow through it.

The average annual temperature is 25ºC, with a warm-moderate climate and an average annual rainfall of 18mm.Its vegetation is deciduos with trees such as el encino. There are an enormous variety of birds and other species which occupy the region.

Recent surveys put the population at 13,845 of which 18 men and 19 women speak the zapotec language, representing as such 0.23% of the population. It is estimated that 42 others speak a different indigenous language.

The population was 15,183 in 1995 which increased to 15590 the following year. This declined to 14042 in the survey of 2000 and is currently 13845.

More than 90% of the inhabitants are catholic, other religions being protestant and Jehovah’s Witnessess. There are 5 registered churches, one Jehovah’s Witnesses Temple and a protestant church.

There are 21 preschools, 53 primaries and 2 secondary schools.

The city has 22 radio stations of which 10 are AM and 12 FM. There is tlevision and newspapers and a postal and telegraph office.

There are 21 kilometers of roads as well as maritime services.

Economic Activity
The economy can be divided in six groups : Agriculture, Ranching, Commerce, Fishing, Industry and Tourism.

Agriculture: The principal products of the region are corn, sorghum, frijol, rice as well as others of less importance like sugar cane.

Ranching: There are 1034 units dedicated to the exploitation and breeding of animals. Principally cattle, pigs, sheep and horses.

Fishing: The demand for thi has been enough to form a cooperative along with docks and infraestructure.

Commerce
Paper Industry, furniture, shoes, etc.

Industry: Plastic articles and carpintery.

Tourism: Three hotels offering 82 rooms. As well as restaurants and discotheques.

Principal Attractions
There are many attractive places like El Malecon de la Rivera, Saint Michael’s Temple, La Casa de la Cultura, La plazuela de doña Martha, El parque Zaragoza, and The Mini Zoo.

Museums
There are two important museums:

Museum of Salvador Ferrando: The Museum is famous for its collection of the works of Don Salvador Ferrando.

Casa de la Cultura.Displays Veracruz art, has a ballet hall, and exhibition of trophies and paintings by Salvador Ferrando and Albert Fuster.

Fiestas and Holidays
From 31 Jan to 9 Feb there is a celebration in the name of The Virgin de la Candelaria.

Couples on horseback in traditional dress parade through the streets in an event known as the “cabalgata”.

26-29 September the Fiestas of San Miguelito are celebrated.

Music
The most popular music is the Jarana, Pandero, Arpa and the Requinto