Michoacán. Cheranástico

Off the track in Michoacán.

Readers of this blog may be familiar with our accounts of the indigenous (purépecha) communities of the Sierra Tarasca in western Michoacán.
   In this post we look briefly at the village of Cherán Atzicuirín, aka Cheranástico, located just northwest of the noted indigenous town of Cherán.
   Cheranástico enjoys a vibrant native culture and traditions. The settlement includes this 17th century church of La Asunción, formerly a visita of the mission at Paracho.

The colorful folk baroque facade, follows certain regional features, notably a (once) separate bell tower, and the use of rosettes and shell reliefs above the doorway, which is framed by ornamental candelabra style columns, here capped by carved pinnacles. 

Other features include the curved gable pierced by framed openings and a niche housing a venerable blue robed statue of the Virgin Mary, the patron of the church.

a cut stone cross is mounted in front of the church door.

text © 2021 Richard D. Perry

color images courtesy of Niccolo Brooker