Catemaco

Catemaco
Catemaco seen from the lake
Catemaco seen from the lake
Official seal of Catemaco
Catemaco is located in Veracruz
Catemaco
Catemaco
Catemaco is located in Mexico
Catemaco
Catemaco
Coordinates: 18°25′0″N 95°07′0″W / 18.41667°N 95.11667°W / 18.41667; -95.11667
Country Mexico
StateVeracruz
MunicipalityCatemaco
Founded1774
Declared city1966
Government
 • Municipal PresidentJorge Alberto Gonzalez Azamar
Elevation
340 m (1,116 ft)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total
27,615
 • Municipality
48,593
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central Standard Time)
Postal code
95870
Area code294

Catemaco (Spanish: [kate'mako] ) is a city in the south of the Mexican state of Veracruz. It serves as the municipal seat for the municipality of the same name. The city is located on Lake Catemaco, with the municipality stretching north to the Gulf of Mexico. Catemaco is a tourist destination, with its main attractions being the lake, remnants of the region's rainforest and a tradition of sorcery/witchcraft that has its roots in the pre-colonial period and is mostly practiced by men. This tradition is well-known in Mexico and attracts clients from various walks of life, including businessmen and national-level politicians. Catemaco holds an annual event in March dedicated to sorcery, which can draw up to 5,000 visitors.