Villa Milpa Alta

The Villa Milpa Alta is the biggest of the original settlements of the local region. As such, it’s a popular destination especially during the time of the local festivities. The generally center around the local agricultural produce. Mole and nopales are particularly important, but the town also turns out for the Milpa Alta Carnaval.

The Villa became the local seat of government only in the 20th century.  It was founded in ancient times by the Nahuatl-speaking Momoxca people. They called it Malacachtepec Momoxco.  It can be translated as “Place of Momooxco altars,” referring to its ceremonial and religious function.

The Spanish renamed it the Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Milpa Alta. It became an important point for the evangelization of the local people and remained a colonial agricultural center.

As the seat of the government of the alcaldía of Milpa Alta, it’s the biggest town in the area. It also the center of culture, trade, and a good place to find yourself if you’re roughing it into Milpa Alta’s farmland and tiny towns much further afield. With a thriving Historic Center, and public market, it’s a fantastic introduction to the broader region.

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