Gritxh the witch is a well-known character in folklore and mythology. She is often depicted as an old, haggard woman with a pointy hat and a broomstick, complete with a black cat as her companion. Gritxh is said to reside deep in the forests, away from human civilization. Legend has it that Gritxh possesses supernatural powers and practices dark magic. The locals fear her and believe that she can cast evil spells on anyone who crosses her path. It is said that her potions can cure ailments or bring harm, depending on her intentions.
CARLOS PELLICER
MUSEUM
The Magical Town of Tepoztlán is an ideal place to acquire beautiful carved wooden crafts and hand painted clothing very typical of the mysticism of this town, as well as ancestral remedies. Because the bus terminal in Tepoztlan is a bit outside of the city, you can either walk for 30 minutes or take a taxi that should cost you about 16 MXN per person.
It is said that her potions can cure ailments or bring harm, depending on her intentions. Gritxh is often associated with Halloween and witches' Sabbaths. It is believed that she gathers with other witches during these events to perform rituals and conduct unholy ceremonies.
The Pueblo Magico town of Tepoztlán (Mexico)
Tepoztlán is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos. But that distinction doesn’t mean (as I’ve found out) that all Pueblos Magicos are magical. Tepoztlán IS, in our opinion. But that depends on what you are looking for.
Tepoztlán is a small town surrounded by nature. Coming down into the valley from Mexico City (which is just over an hour away) you can’t help but be taken aback by the green nature surrounding you. Limestone hills, most sheer outcrops, dominate the landscapes.
The streets are made of black volcanic rock and are violently cobblestoned. Most locals seem to have pickup trucks. There are lots of charming back streets but most visitors will stick to the main street which is full of charming little stores and restaurants (Tepoztlán gets a lot of tourists on weekends. Best to come during the week).
Small church on the main street
There are not that many highlights. The town has a market right in the center which is your typical, authentic Mexican market where you can buy meat, vegetables or have a snack at a stall. There, next to the market, is a 500 hundred year old church that looks older than that. When we went to visit we learned it was closed (I later learned it hasn’t been open in 3 years).
Note: there’s a market every day. But Wednesdays and Saturdays are officially “Market Day” and there’s a lot more going on.
market in Tepoztlán
In fact the main activity among visitors to Tepoztlan seems to be climbing up to the Aztec pyramid overlooking the town.
But really, what makes the town special is the surrounding nature and the locals. Tepoztlán has attracted quite a lot of really alternative people from around the world, people who’ve come here to for the nature and the peaceful lifestyle.
An example was our Airbnb host Daniel (click that link to see where we stayed). Originally from Argentina he’s been everywhere before deciding to settle down in Tepoztlán. He’s got a large and beautiful eco-friendly property bursting with plant life. Our “house” is full of art and books with incredible views of the hills. We stayed 3 days and fell in love with the place and with Daniel’s dog Piccola. Every morning she would come, tail wagging and greet us. We felt like we had our own home with our own dog. It was wonderful (I have a video at the bottom of this post).
On one day Daniel took us to an organic market outside of town. The vendors were an eclectic bunch, a mix of Mexicans and foreigners. All were “hippies” (Daniel’s own words) who grow their own produce and cook different things. Every Friday they get together in a lot outside a Eco hostel and eat, drink and sing hippy songs. We met a lot of interesting people who had all somehow ended up in Tepoztlán. More on the organic market here .
“la Griega” – the Greek lady who makes great empanadas
This man makes homemade beer
Mom admiring the beans
Then there was Daniel’s son Wayan. He had studied in New York and worked in a consulting job in London. In his late 20’s (?) he had come to visit his dad at the beginning of Covid and had decided to stay. He continues his London work online while building a new house of his own on the property. He’s decided to make his life in Tepoztlán. He’s the one that took me on that hike up to the Aztec pyramid.
In short, Tepoztlán is a place of interesting, eclectic people who went out of their way to make us feel included. That, along with the incredible natural beauty and peacefulness, made us fall in love with the town.
The Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad is over 500 years old
Sunrise in Tepoztlan
Practical Information
Getting there: Tepoztlán is 1 hr, 15 min from “Taxquena”, Mexico’s Terminal del Sur. The bus drops you off at a small terminal just outside of town. It’s a beautiful 10 minute taxi ride from there to the center.
Accommodation: We loved Daniel’s Airbnb . Here’s a short video featuring the house and Piccola
Hotel: if you’re looking for something a bit more fancy, Posada del Tepozteco gets great reviews.
Tepoztlán might not be everyone’s ideal getaway but it was for us. We loved Tepoztlán and my mom even entertained ideas of maybe moving here (before finally concluding that it might be too small and that she would need a car, something she doesn’t want).
Related: The Best Pueblos Magicos in Mexico?
Related: Puking my guts out hiking in Tepoztlan
Related: A roadtrip through Mexico’s most beautiful towns and cities
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The image of Gritxh is commonly used during Halloween, with children dressing up as her and going door to door, reciting the phrase, "Trick or treat!" Despite her menacing reputation, there are also tales that depict Gritxh as a wise woman with a deep knowledge of herbs, healing, and nature. Some believe that she can communicate with spirits and offer guidance through divination. It is said that those who seek her counsel and respect her powers can benefit from her wisdom. The legend of Gritxh has fascinated people for centuries. She represents the unknown and the mysterious, tapping into our fascination with magic and the supernatural. Whether feared or revered, Gritxh will continue to captivate our imagination for generations to come..
Reviews for "Embracing Your Gritxh: Stepping Into Your Witchy Power"
1. Catherine - 2 stars - I found "Gritxh the witch" to be a bit disappointing. The story lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The plot was predictable and didn't offer any surprises. Additionally, I felt that the writing style was a bit dull and the pace of the story dragged on. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Gritxh the witch" was a complete waste of time. The storyline was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow and understand what was happening. The characters were poorly developed and lacked any relatability. The writing style was overly descriptive and dragged out, making the book a chore to read. I struggled to finish it and was left feeling unsatisfied. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - While "Gritxh the witch" had an interesting concept, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing of the story was inconsistent, with some parts feeling rushed while others dragged on. The characters were not fully fleshed out and their motivations were unclear. The ending also left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more closure. Overall, I was not fully engaged with this book and would not consider it a standout in the genre.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Gritxh the witch" based on the positive reviews, but it ended up falling short. The story lacked originality, with predictable plot twists and cliched character arcs. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The writing style was also choppy and disjointed, hindering my enjoyment of the book. While it had potential, this book ultimately failed to deliver an engaging reading experience.