Isla de Janitzio () is the largest of five islands in

Lake Pátzcuaro Lake Pátzcuaro (Spanish: ''Lago de Pátzcuaro'') is a lake in the municipality of Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico. Lake Pátzcuaro lies in an endorheic basin, which does not drain to the sea. A watershed area of 929 square kilometres drains int ...

in the state of

Michoacán Michoacán, formally Michoacán de Ocampo, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Michoacán de Ocampo, is one of the 31 states which, together with Mexico City, compose the Political divisions of Mexico, Federal Entities of Mexico. The stat ...

, Mexico. The town of Janitzio, which means "maize flower" in

Purépecha The Purépecha ( ) are a group of Indigenous people centered in the northwestern region of Michoacán, Mexico, mainly in the area of the cities of Cherán and Pátzcuaro. They are also known by the derogatory term " Tarascan", an exonym, app ...

, is located atop a hill on the island. Janitzio can only be reached by boats which run regularly back and forth from about 7:30 am to 6 pm, accessible from

Pátzcuaro Pátzcuaro () is a city and municipality located in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. The town was founded sometime in the 1320s, at first becoming the capital of the Purépecha Empire and later its ceremonial center. After the Spanish took over, V ...

pier A pier is a raised structure that rises above a body of water and usually juts out from its shore, typically supported by piling, piles or column, pillars, and provides above-water access to offshore areas. Frequent pier uses include fishing, b ...

(embarcadero). The boats take approximately 25 minutes to reach the island. These boats can be hired to take visitors around other parts of the lake. The town is known for the butterfly fishermen who are skilled at lowering their butterfly-shaped nets to catch "pescado blanco" (''Chirostoma estor''), a species of freshwater

silverside Silverside may refer to: * Silverside (beef), a cut of beef * Silverside (fish), the Atheriniformes, an order of fish * Agnes Silverside (died 1557), one of the Colchester Martyrs * USS ''Silversides'', the name of 2 U.S. Navy submarines * Silvers ...

endemic to the lake which is important to the local cuisine. These fisherman were at one time depicted on the reverse of the 50

peso The peso is the monetary unit of several Hispanophone, Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, as well as the Philippines. Originating in the Spanish Empire, the word translates to "weight". In most countries of the Americas, the symbol com ...

banknote. This banknote is now a valuable collector's item. The island is the subject of

Silvestre Revueltas Silvestre Revueltas Sánchez (December 31, 1899 – October 5, 1940) was a Mexican classical music composer, a violinist, and conductor. Life Revueltas was born in Santiago Papasquiaro in Durango, and studied at the National Conservatory of Mu ...

's 1933 composition ''

Janitzio Isla de Janitzio () is the largest of five islands in Lake Pátzcuaro in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. The town of Janitzio, which means "maize flower" in Purépecha, is located atop a hill on the island. Janitzio can only be reached by boats ...

''.

Statue of José Maria Morelos

A 40-meter statue of

José María Morelos José María Teclo Morelos Pérez y Pavón () (30 September 1765 – 22 December 1815) was a Mexican Priesthood in the Catholic Church, Catholic priest, statesman and military leader who led the Mexican War of Independence movement, assuming it ...

, a great hero of Mexico's independence, started in 1933, is found on the island's highest point. You can see the statue of Morelos from the boat, when arriving. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue by way of a staircase that spirals up the inside. Along the interior walls, the life of Morelos is depicted in murals painted by Ramón Alba de la Canal and other Mexican muralists. At the top, visitors can look through peepholes in the giant raised fist of Morelos, with views of the island, lake and surroundings.

People

Some of the people of Janitzio and the towns surrounding Lake Pátzcuaro are of indigenous descent and are known as

. Available in Janitzio are regional handicrafts. A variety of handmade textiles and artwork are sold. Its main festivity is "Día de Muertos" or

Day of the Dead The Day of the Dead () is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the locality. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pa ...

. As part of this festivity, candle-lit boat processions make their way to the island and then to Janitzio's Church and graveyard, remaining there for the night for a large festive vigil with much drinking involved.

Climate

Mild, spring-like temperatures prevail most of the year in the North Central Highlands of central Mexico. The highlands have a climate that is described as a "mild, dry climate." The area around Janitzio rarely sees temperatures that go above 27 degrees, even in summer. Daytime temperatures remain fairly consistent year round, however, it can become quite cold at night from November through March. The rainy season runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the wettest months. Quick moving thunderstorms can be expected over the summer months, June to September. The rest of the year remains quite dry.

Gallery

File:janitzio2.jpg File:janitzio3.jpg File:Isla de Janitzio, Michoacan.JPG File:Isla de Janitzio.JPG

References

External links

''Day of the Dead Celebration in Janitzio: cultural article about this amazing celebration. Educational video available''
{{coord, 19, 34, 25, N, 101, 39, 7, W , display=title Landforms of Michoacán Natural history of Michoacán Lake islands of Mexico