Otumba de Gómez Farías

Otumba de Gómez Farías
Otumba
Town
Main plaza
Otumba de Gómez Farías
Coordinates: 19°41′56″N 98°45′26″W / 19.69889°N 98.75722°W / 19.69889; -98.75722
Country Mexico
StateState of Mexico
MunicipalityOtumba
Founded1200s
Elevation
(of seat)
2,360 m (7,740 ft)
Population
 (2005)
  
9,242
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (US Central))
  Summer (DST)UTC-5 (Central)
Postal code (of seat)
55900
Websitewww.otumba.com/portal/ (in Spanish)

Otumba or Otumba de Gómez Farías is a town and municipal seat of the municipality of Otumba located in the northeast of the State of Mexico, just northeast of Mexico City. Historically, this area is best known as the site of the Battle of Otumba and as an important crossroads during the colonial period where incoming viceroys ceremoniously were handed power by their predecessors. Today, it is a rural municipality undergoing changes as urbanization arrives here from the Mexico City area. However, one element from the past that is still remembered is that of burros or donkeys. During the colonial period, Otumba was an important market for the animals, and they are still culturally important. Each year, the municipality sponsors a Feria de Burros or Donkey Fair, where the animals star in fashion shows, costume contests, and races. There is also a donkey sanctuary for unwanted animals.

The name Otumba comes from Nahuatl and means "place of otomis." The appendage "Gómez Farías" was added in honor of Valentín Gómez Farías. The Aztec glyph for the area depicts an Otomi character with the sign meaning place. The municipality is represented by this glyph and by a Spanish coat of arms.