"El Grito !!!!!!!!!!!!!" Atotonilco by chauncenetta

Atotonilco Travel Guide: 10 reviews and 31 photos

First, I digress, somewhat. Father Miguel Hidalgo, a priest of Creole descent, lived and worked in the nearby town of Dolores with the indigenous population to make better lives for them all. He basically had kind of had it with the Spanish Jesuits as they had put him through the Inquisition one too many times, for such wrongs as reading books, gambling, questioning the Virgin Birth, advocating social change through revolution and having a girlfriend. He was isolated to the dusty little town of impoverished Dolores, where they probably figured that would be the end of him and he'd learn his lesson. Instead, he worked hard with his parishioners, learned their language, & taught them crafts and skills to improve their economic condition. Even though the Spanish officials destroyed the vineyards they had created for wine making and the mulberry trees for silk. Intrepid as he was, he belonged to a secret society of various lefties who were plotting the separation of Mexico from Spain. Before dawn on 9/16/1810 Hidalgo rang the church bells & w/his "Cry of Dolores" launched the revolution. He amassed an army of 80,000.They marched to San Miguel. On the way, they stopped at Atotonilco & tore the banner of Virgin of Guadalupe from the Sanctuary. "Long LIve the Virgin of Guadalupe! Death to the Spaniards!" Thus was born the Mexican Revolution. In these days, do you think he'd be called a terrorist? The banner now hangs in the Granary Museum in Guanajuato.

Please sir, may I have another?

Atotonilco is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Mexico. It is here that flagellation rituals are practiced, and one purchases whips made from rope from a vendor outside the sanctuary. he will also sell you a crown of thorns, if you wish. Funny thing, there is a tall tree outside the church, which moves in the breeze with a windy sound, even though on every occasion that I was there the air was completely still.

Come and sin no more

The frescoes inside the church are fantastic, in danger of disappearing, but as this structure is on an international watch for preservation I am hopeful for it's future. Attached is a photo of a fresco located at the foyer of the entrance, to welcome all visitors.

Last visit to Atotonilco: Aug 2001
Intro Updated Apr 20, 2003
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Reviews (8)

downtown Atotonilco Things to Do (2)

more travel advice

light and shadow Favorites (5)

more travel advice

light and shadow Favorites (5)

more travel advice

light and shadow Favorites (5)

more travel advice

Shopping (1)
one stop shopping for salvation

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Comments (11)

tini58de Sep 25, 2003 at 1:46 PM Report Abuse

I love your b&w pictures - especially the light and shadow ones! Wonderful page!
fouads Aug 9, 2003 at 7:54 AM Report Abuse

Nice Page :-)
vaticanus Jun 13, 2003 at 5:34 AM Report Abuse

Hola! Back again. Your "Light and Shadow" series in your Atotonilco page is fantastic. The dust and the altitude of central Mexico create unforgetable contrasts and visions.
TERRYANDERSON Jun 13, 2003 at 5:21 AM Report Abuse

Very nice !
Ivan_Jimenez May 25, 2003 at 6:12 AM Report Abuse

I am in absolute need of getting a new rosary... mine fell off in my glass of Rhum yesterday at the club...
scrooge1947 May 14, 2003 at 6:10 PM Report Abuse

Always interesting to see what other people see through the lens.
zentrinko Apr 29, 2003 at 2:37 PM Report Abuse

Excellent pics, the negative/positive light/dark enigma is quite striking. Very interesting page, quite enjoyable to explore
craic Apr 27, 2003 at 7:17 AM Report Abuse

Gripping! You have a unique take on things.
chauncenetta Apr 26, 2003 at 8:42 AM Report Abuse

You are right. There is a distinction between independence and revolution. Perhaps revolutions never end, where sometimes, alas, independence does.
manuelEB Apr 24, 2003 at 11:46 PM Report Abuse

Vicky (expresso) send me here. Bienvenida a Turismo Virtual (VT). Just a word: With Hidalgo started the Independency of Mexico. The "Mexican Revolution" is, by notation, a different and more recent "happening". I smell something good here...I'll be back.