Located 130 kilometers east of Mexico City, Puebla makes a striking impression with its bold colonial architecture. Its capital – Puebla de Zargoza – has a culture and legacy so important, that UNESCO put the city on its World Heritage List.

"We take great pride in Puebla’s cultural heritage. It is a rich destination in so many ways, and it has a lot to offer, no matter what your purpose for visiting,” says Felix Ruano, General Manager at InterContinental Presidente Puebla.

According to history, Cinco de Mayo is the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. On that day, Mexican troops defeated French soldiers, who were better armed and equipped. While it took another five years for the French to leave Mexico, the unexpected victory at the city of Puebla became a symbol of resistance for the Mexican people.

Today, the site of the battlefield is open as a park and museum for visitors. Even more remarkable, a centuries-old series of tunnels were discovered below the city in 2015. Historians suspect this is how Mexican troops were able to ambush enemy forces. These tunnels are open to the public and are a completely unique tourist attraction.

On Cinco de Mayo, the city of Puebla remembers the 1862 battle with a military reenactment, parade, speeches, traditional dances, and music. It’s a day of significance, history and pride.

“Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder of the courage of our people who fought bravely, but also of the intricate tapestry of Mexican culture, which one must experience to grasp fully,” says Ruano.

According to Ruano and his team, Puebla has something for everyone, and they encourage visitors to experience the best of Mexican culture and hospitality:

Magical Towns of Puebla
From its iconic capital, the state of Puebla has a plethora of towns dubbed the “Magical towns of Puebla.” From colorful Chignauhuapán to the “city of flowers,” Atlixco – a tour through Puebla is a feast for the eyes and stomach. The state is known for some of the best food Mexico has to offer. According to the hotel team at InterContinental Presidente Puebla, the mix of indigenous, Spanish, and Asian elements have influenced representative dishes such as chiles en nogada, mole poblano, mole de caderas and milk sweets, among others.

Puebla Cathedral
The Puebla Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Mexico, and it’s also the most recognizable building in the capital city of Puebla, with its baroque style architecture in the historic town center. Surrounded by other 16th and 17th century buildings and facades, construction on the Cathedral began in 1575 and wasn’t completed until 1690.*

Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Located just across the street from the Cathedral is the magnificent Palafox Library. It is the oldest library in the Americas, preserving more than 45,000 books in 14 languages. Visitors can spend time walking through the majestic building on their own or through guided tours.

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Senior Public Relations Manager, Mauricio Orenday, was born and raised in Mexico and says the cultural relevance of Puebla is enormous. “It’s often said that there are many different Mexicos and all of them coexist in Puebla,” says Orenday. “Whether in the old days, the colonial period, or contemporary times, the city has always been alluring.”

Where To Stay

In addition to InterContinental Presidente Puebla, IHG Hotels & Resorts has five additional properties throughout the state of Puebla catering to leisure and business travel including:

Holiday Inn Noria – Get all the comfort and ease you expect from a Holiday Inn, and head over to the International Museum Baroque or get a birds-eye view of the stunning city atop the "Estrella de Puebla" (Star of Puebla) Ferris wheel – both places are a short walk from the hotel.

Holiday Inn Puebla Finsa – Located close to Puebla International Airport and industrial areas of the city – this large, modern hotel is a perfect choice for business travelers. The hotel also conveniently offers two onsite restaurants.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Puebla Angelopolis – Catering to all travelers, this property is near corporate offices, as well as museums and shopping centers. When the day is over, enjoy stunning city views while relaxing at the outdoor pool.

Staybridge Suites Puebla – A great option for those interested in longer stays to fully immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine. (There's even an onsite car rental!)

Crowne Plaza Puebla – Just a 20-minute drive to the historic town center, this hotel makes it easy for business travelers to explore the city during downtime.


Source: * https://historicalmx.org/items/show/38

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