Casa de Las Prismas, La Cruz History

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FROM THE NORTH SHORE
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle - A quaint fisherman village.
By: Florelisa Hernandez

L a Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a quaint fisherman village with a cooler beach climate all year round thanks to its privileged location, In La Cruz, visitors are able to relax and get restored, because of the unspoiled expansive site, the gracefulness of landscaping and its wonderful environment. La Cruz is also a favorite destination of boaters from all over the world. One Local legend holds that the town gained its name after the body of an indigenous woman was buried at the base of a giant Huanacaxtle tree. In tribute a large cross, 2 meters by 1 meter, was carved into the trunk of the tree. The name stuck when people began to say "lets meet at the cross (Cruz) of Huanacaxtle." Another local legend holds that many years ago, there was a shipwreck and the only survivor was a cross made of Huanacaxtle that one morning appeared in La Cruz shore, one fisherman saw it and picked it up and placed it in the middle of the town, the cross was made of the wood of a Huanacaxtle tree, a very popular tree in the area. Nowadays the cross stands in the roundabout at Langosta Street .

The name of Huanacaxtle derives from Guanacaste which in the Aztec language means Tree ("Guautli") and Ear ("Nacaztli"), literally meaning The Ear Tree, because of the shape of its seeds: A hard brown and shiny pod in the shape of an ear. The Huanacaxtle tree can reach up to 15 meters height and its trunk can be up to 4 meters in diameter and its life span is 60 to 70 years. Since the wood is very durable and resistant to insect attack the tree is very popular among furniture makers and the tree is now considered in danger of extinction. In fact, there used to be many and very old Huanacaxtle trees in the town, unfortunately many of them were cut due to the rapid growth and poor planning of the village, and there are only few left. Fearing the disappearance of the Huanacaxtle, La Cruz inhabitants got together to fight for laws to protect them.

The village celebrates the Cross fiesta every May 3 rd , (The Day of The Holy Cross), which is also the patron of the construction workers, the tradition is that a Cross decorated with flowers is placed in the highest place of building that the workers are working on and the patron buys lots of beer and food like "carnitas", or "barbacoa" or tacos for the workers to celebrate the special date. In the village, the fiesta starts 9 days before May 3 rd , and for nine consecutive mornings, the inhabitants are awaken by the sound of very loud firecrackers, in preparation for the fiesta the roundabout is washed and painted and the cross is decorated, the village displays a very joyful environment, with parades, masses, "bailes" and other activities, the main plaza gets filled with food stands, music and games for children, and also interesting stands with things to buy, the fiesta is the delight of both, locals and visitors of this quaint village. In fact, many have made it heir home.

Many friendly people from the US, England, Scotland and Canada have fallen in love with this peaceful village and settled here for good providing la Cruz with a wide array of business. You will find a friendly Huichol Indian art gallery and cafe that supports indigenous weaving, a gourmet German restaurant that serves European cuisine that features live flamenco guitar music, an American bar/ restaurant with live American music and local charity events, A Scottish owned restaurant that serves international food, plus a wide variety of local restaurants and street stands where you will find an excellent selection of seafood, salads, fish tacos and quesadillas.

As for beaches, la Cruz is surrounded by the most beautiful beaches, like Destiladeras, Punta de Mita, Careyeros, and La Cruz own beach: La Manzanilla, widely known by the inhabitants for its calm waters and delicious food offered at its palapa restaurants. As of nature and Ecotourism, the area is widely known as one with the largest biodiversity ecosystems. Humpbacked Whales arrive in Banderas Bay to mate every year at the beginning of the winter, it is also a natural sanctuary for marine turtles and exotic birds. In fact many visitors of my Inn have pointed out to me the delightful experience of finding many exotic birds that can be observed right by the Inn on top of the Hill. As of fishing, the seas in this area rank among the best for both deep-sea fishing and small game fishing. Here you will find sailfish plentiful, roosterfish, Dorado, swordfish, tuna, bonito, and lots of bass and snapper and here you will find more of one friendly fisherman willing to take you out in the ocean and show you the enjoyment of their wonderful trade. If you have not been here yet, you should take some time and visit; you will be surprised by the friendliness of its people, the beauty of its landscape and the whole array of services that this quaint village has to offer.