HOST 2026 – PUEBLA

Guarded by the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, Puebla offers a breathtaking panorama, from the misty, colorful Sierra Norte mountains to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley south, with its landscapes dotted with cacti.

Puebla is full of secrets and wonders. Starting with the Historic Center of the city of Puebla, built with domes, towers, bells, and Talavera tiles, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

You will be amazed by its 12 Magical Towns, its stunning waterfalls, lagoons, national parks, trails, and the vast Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve.

One of Puebla's greatest treasures is its gastronomy. Puebla is renowned throughout Mexico and the world for the rich history behind each dish, created by the hands of proud women who cook with unwavering passion and love for their homeland.

Puebla is a paradise of landscapes, from hills and clouds to Baroque monuments and contemporary architecture.

Discover Puebla!

CITY OF PUEBLA

The city of Puebla is a blend of colonial past and modernity. The state capital is one of the best destinations in all of Mexico. Its colonial architecture, unparalleled cuisine, handicrafts, and countless other Pueblan treasures make for a truly unique experience.

The city's Historic Center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.

HERITAGE

The state of Puebla offers sites and traditions recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

Historic Center of Puebla City

On December 11, 1987, UNESCO designated the Historic Center of Puebla a World Heritage Site. This area comprises the Zócalo (main square), the cathedral dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, the churches of La Compañía, Santo Domingo, and San Francisco, convents such as Santa Rosa and Santa Mónica, Teatro Principal (Main Theater), Barrio del Artista (Artists' Quarter), Plaza de los Sapos (Plaza of the Toads), and Biblioteca Palafoxiana (Palafoxiana Library), among others.

Former Convents

The state boasts three of the earliest 16th-century monasteries on the slopes of Popocatépetl volcano, which were designated as World Heritage Sites in 1994. These include the former Convent of San Francisco de Asís in Calpan, built in 1548; The former Convent of San Miguel Arcángel, in the municipality of Huejotzingo, built between 1544 and 1570, and finally the former Convent of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, in the municipality of Tochimilco, built by the Franciscans in the 16th century.

The Dance of the Voladores

On September 30, 2009, the Dance of the Voladores of Cuetzalan was declared a World Heritage in the Intangible Cultural Heritage category. This ceremony is a ritual dance associated with fertility, whose origins date back to the pre-Hispanic world. It incorporates music, movement, costumes, and a religious ceremony.

Talavera

Talavera is a famous craft from Puebla that was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 11, 2019. Characterized by its original design and introduced to Puebla by the Spanish, Talavera Poblana has acquired its own identity over the years, making it the quintessential Mexican ceramic.

Puebla Gastronomy

In November 2010, UNESCO recognized Mexican gastronomy as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including two very traditional dishes from Puebla. Among them is Chile en Nogada, which originated in the Convent of Santa Mónica on August 28, 1821. Mole Poblano is also included in this designation as one of the dishes from Puebla that best represents Mexico worldwide, and of course, Puebla itself.

GASTRONOMY

MOLE POBLANO

One of the most representative dishes of the state of Puebla. It is known nationally and internationally for its rich array of ingredients and has a strong historical significance behind its preparation. Throughout the ages, the dish has retained its cultural value, and to this day, Mole Poblano is the centerpiece of any family or social celebration. Traditional Mole Poblano was served with the famous turkey, however, nowadays it is also accompanied by all kinds of meats.

CHILES EN NODEGA

Visiting Puebla between July and September is an opportunity to try Chiles en Nogada. This dish combines sweet and savory ingredients, with chiles stuffed with seasonal fruits, battered, and bathed in a walnut sauce and Poblano goat cheese. The recipe, known since the 18th century, is attributed to the nuns of the Convent of Santa Mónica, who created it in honor of Saint Augustin.

Chiles en Nogada Chiles en Nogada are a symbol of Puebla's gastronomy and were declared Intangible State Cultural Heritage in 2010.

MOLE DE CADERAS

Mole de Caderas, or huaxmole, is a traditional 18th-century dish made with goat meat from the Tehuacán region of Puebla. It is considered one of Puebla's most important dishes due to the goat's long rearing process and the care taken in its preparation. Its distinctive ingredients are the goat's hip and spine. The sauce that gives it its characteristic flavor is made with guajillo, costeño, and serrano chiles, tomatoes, avocado leaves, cilantro, and a type of green bean typical of the region.

One of the most important reasons for the value of Mole de Caderas is the ancestral tradition of the Matanza ritual, which accompanies and initiates the slaughter of the livestock for the dish's preparation. This tradition is currently celebrated with the "Ethnic Festival of the Matanza" in the municipality of Tehuacán, an event that includes a ritual ceremony recreating the ancestral slaughter. During this festival, flowers and incense are offered, and a beautiful dance called "La Danza de la Matanza" (The Dance of the Slaughter) is performed.

Inspired by the Catholic prayer "El Alabado," it is intended to ask God for a smooth workday and a better slaughter than the previous year, as well as to obtain divine permission to perform the sacrifice.

TLAYOYOS

The exquisite Tlayoyos are traditional Puebla snacks made with corn masa and filled with various fillings such as peas, potatoes, or beans. They are served with a green or red salsa, prepared with typical regional chilies, and sprinkled with fresh cheese, creating a unique and authentic flavor experience.

CHALUPAS

Authentic Chalupas Poblanas are a jewel of Puebla's traditional cuisine. Prepared with small tortillas fried in lard, they are topped with green or red salsa, shredded pork, beef, or even chicken, and garnished with a touch of chopped onion. More than just a snack, chalupas represent the essence of Puebla's cuisine: with cultural diversity in their ingredients, full of flavor, and with deep roots that delight locals and visitors alike. A bite that honors the soul of Puebla with over 100 years of history.

CEMITAS

The authentic Cemita Poblana is an icon of Puebla's gastronomy, famous for its flavor and tradition. This delicious dish is made with a crispy sesame seed roll, which wraps ingredients such as breaded meat or pork leg, avocado, Oaxaca cheese, papalo (a type of herb), and chipotle or jalapeño peppers to taste. More than just a snack, the cemita is a symbol of Puebla's rich culinary heritage, renowned for its unique blend of textures and flavors that captivate everyone who tries it. This generously filled and sized snack can be enjoyed in various restaurants and markets throughout Puebla's historic neighborhoods, and it has also become a traditional part of entertainment events such as lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) and soccer matches.

MEZCAL

Mezcal Poblano is a true treasure of Mexican tradition, considered by many to be the best mezcal in Mexico. Handcrafted in the fertile, mountainous lands of Puebla, this spirit captures the essence of the agave and the soul of the region. Its deep, smoky, and perfectly balanced flavor makes it a unique experience that honors centuries of heritage and passion. More than just a drink, Mezcal Poblano is a tribute to the excellence of Puebla and Mexican culture.

Mezcal Poblano has held a Denomination of Origin since 2015, encompassing 116 producing municipalities. This Denomination of Origin recognizes the quality of this spirit, whose production fosters the creation of more local jobs, adding to the ranks of Mexican products with a significant national and international presence. Today, it is enjoyed mixed with various fruits, creams, and essences, making it the perfect digestif and accompaniment to gastronomy.

TRADITIONAL SWEETS

When visiting the Historic Center of Puebla, one must stroll down Santa Clara Street, also known as the Street of Sweets. Here you can find the famous Santa Clara cakes and traditional sweet potatoes, desserts that are highlights of Puebla's cuisine.