Xalapa
Xalapa-Enríquez, known simply as Xalapa, is the head of the municipality of the same name and the capital and most populated city of the state of Veracruz. It belongs to the metropolitan area of Xalapa, also made up of nine other municipalities surrounding the city. It receives the names of “Veracruz Athens”, due to the various educational and cultural institutions that have been founded there, and “City of Flowers”, a name that Alexander Von Humboldt gave it during his visit to the city in 1804.
Although it is the product of debate, it is considered that its origin dates back to 1313, the year it was founded by indigenous groups. The original founding of Xalapa was carried out by Totonac-speaking groups, the Toltecs being the ones who gave the name of Its original neighborhoods, among the sandy slopes, gushed abundant water. A group of Totonacas families gathered together and gave rise to Xalapa, in 1519, its inhabitants received in peace and hosted Hernán Cortés and his army of conquerors, supporting the policy of the Totonacas of Cempoala.
With the conquest and thanks to its position with respect to the Camino Real Veracruz-Mexico, the town began to expand and establish itself as a transit point. However, it gained importance for its trade fairs. In 1791, the King of Spain, Charles IV, declared the town of Xalapa a Villa and granted it a coat of arms. This certificate was corroborated on June 22, 1793. The original title of Villa and the Coat of Arms are still preserved in the Municipal Palace of the city.
In 1821, Santa Anna took the city and once Once Independence was consummated in 1824, it was designated the capital of the newly created state of Veracruz. In 1892 it was renamed Xalapa de Enríquez, in honor of Juan de la Luz Enríquez.
