Puebla

Puebla is a state in central Mexico steeped in colonial heritage and culinary fame, the birthplace of mole poblano and Talavera pottery. Its capital, also called Puebla, is a UNESCO World Heritage city. Overlooked by snow-capped volcanoes, it blends history, gastronomy and industry.

Puebla lies in the central highlands, ringed by volcanoes including Popocatepetl and the Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's highest peak, on its borders. Fertile valleys and rugged sierras make up its terrain. The climate is temperate highland.

Puebla is a culinary capital, famed for mole poblano and chiles en nogada, and for its blue-and-white Talavera ceramics and lavish Baroque churches. The 1862 Battle of Puebla is commemorated as Cinco de Mayo.

Founded by the Spanish in 1531 as a model colonial city, Puebla flourished on trade and crafts. The Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 is celebrated worldwide as Cinco de Mayo.