Orduña celebrates 100 years of faith, history, and community
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco
–From September 5 to 8, Orduña will commemorate its centennial with dances, conferences, exhibitions, music, and acts of recognition.
–The program includes more than 30 cultural, historical, and community activities, with participation from chroniclers, artists, and authorities.
–The time capsule ceremony and documentary premiere seal the intergenerational legacy of the Congregation.
–Traditional cooks, artisans, musicians, and dancers bring life to a celebration that honors the past and projects the future.
–The closing includes the planting of a commemorative tree, artistic performances, and tributes to guardians of traditional medicine.
COMONFORT.— From September 5 to 8, 2025, the Congregation of Orduña will celebrate its centennial with a cultural, historical, and community program that articulates memory, identity, and social projection. Under the title “100 Years of History of the Congregation of Orduña,” the event brings together more than 30 activities over four days, with participation from authorities, chroniclers, artists, traditional cooks, artisans, and community members.
DAY 1: Foundations of Faith and Tradition
The opening day begins on September 5 at 10:00 a.m. with a vibrant welcome at Callejón Ancho, where mayordomías from invited communities arrive accompanied by native dances. At 11:00 a.m., the official inauguration takes place with local authorities, artisans, and traditional cooks, followed by remarks from Lic. Gilberto Zárate Nieves, Municipal President of Comonfort.
At 11:30 a.m., historian Carlos Francisco Rojas presents the conference “The Legacy of Orduña: 100 Years of Service and Faith.” At 12:00 p.m., architect David Manuel Carracedo Navarro, Chronicler of Comonfort, offers a historical overview. At 1:00 p.m., 9th-grade students and faculty from the Intercultural University of Comonfort present the Capitulario. At 2:00 p.m., a welcome cocktail is offered.
In the afternoon, at 4:00 p.m., students from the Technological Institute of Roque present folk dances. At 5:00 p.m., the groups “Nei” and “Macehuani” from INSMACC perform ancestral rhythms. At 6:00 p.m., the inaugural conference “The Legacy of Orduña: 100 Years of Service and Faith” is held, offering a deep look into the Congregation’s trajectory.
DAY 2: Deep Roots, Forward Vision
September 6 begins at 10:00 a.m. with an exhibition and sale of artisan goods and traditional food. At 11:00 a.m., a roundtable titled “The Social and Educational Work of the Congregation Over Time” is held, featuring distinguished members and professionals from the community.
At 12:00 p.m., a photographic and art exhibition narrating the 100-year history is inaugurated. At 2:00 p.m., a northern music group performs. At 4:00 p.m., the workshop “The Future of the Congregation: Challenges and Opportunities for the Next Century” is held. At 5:00 p.m., the group “Alquimia Tribal,” directed by Yesica Estrada, presents Arabic dance. At 6:00 p.m., a Night of Culture is celebrated with storytelling, theater, and poetry by members of the Congregation.
DAY 3: Commemoration and Lasting Legacy
On September 7 at 11:00 a.m., the Market of Traditions opens with sales and exhibitions by artisans and traditional cooks. At 1:00 p.m., the Commemorative Act and Recognitions are held for those who have shaped Orduña’s history, both living and remembered.
At 2:30 p.m., the Union of Generations takes place, a gathering between honored members and youth. At 4:00 p.m., the Time Capsule Ceremony is held, with messages to be opened in 25 years. At 5:00 p.m., singer “Joan Valente” performs. At 6:00 p.m., a short documentary film about the Congregation’s 100-year history premieres.
DAY 4: Closure and Commitment
September 8 begins at 10:00 a.m. with the Farewell with Flavor: traditional food and artisan exhibitions. At 11:30 a.m., the Commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony is held, symbolizing continuity, resilience, and hope for future generations.
At 5:00 p.m., community talents are showcased: the folk dance group “Ollín Yoliztli” and singer Camila Atlitec. At 6:30 p.m., the Gratitude and Farewell Act is held, recognizing individuals who have used traditional medicine for the benefit of the community. The official closing will be led by the President of the Congregation Committee.
Orduña: Indigenous Legacy, Ancient Ruins, and Living Memory
The community of Orduña, located in the northern part of the municipality of Comonfort, Guanajuato, is one of the 14 indigenous settlements officially recognized by the state government. Its origins trace back to Otomí and Chichimeca groups who settled in the region around 1560, following the brief presence of the Purépechas in 1390. Orduña’s cultural identity endures through its community practices, traditional organization, and archaeological heritage.
One of the most enigmatic elements of the area is the Orduña pyramid, located atop a hill, partially hidden among vegetation and human settlements. This structure has withstood the passage of time for over a thousand years. The main site consists of three building complexes. The largest structure, of civic-religious character, stands on a large square platform measuring 28 meters per side and 8 meters in height, built in five still-visible stepped levels. Surrounding it are three smaller buildings and a quadrangular patio, suggesting a significant ceremonial complex.
Although the exact identity of its builders is unknown, it is estimated to have been abandoned between 900 and 1100 A.D. In 1764, friar Francisco de Ajofrín sketched it in his journal, referring to it as a “gentile structure, called Cuisillo,” a term used for pre-Hispanic shrines. In the 1970s, chronicler Plácido Santana and neighbors from nearby communities carried out the first recognized intervention, clearing trees and vegetation to uncover the structure.
Over the years, the pyramid has suffered damage, looting, and even the placement of a cross at its summit. Historian Carlos Francisco Rojas Gómez has documented its history and heritage value. Archaeologist Efraín Cárdenas García has noted that the site reveals advanced architectural planning and deep engineering knowledge by its builders.
Today, the Orduña pyramid is a site of historical and tourist interest, though its limited access has allowed partial preservation. The community of Orduña de Arriba has shown interest in promoting the site as a catalyst for cultural tourism and local development. Despite the lack of financial support, efforts have been made to preserve this legacy.
Comonfort officially recognizes 14 indigenous communities: Orduña de Arriba, Orduña de Abajo, Morales, El Potrero, Ojo de Agua del Potrero, San Pablo, La Borunda, Rinconcillo de los Remedios, Rosales, San Pedro Norte, Agua Blanca, Refugio de Arriba, Rincón del Purgatorio, and San Agustín. This recognition grants access to social programs, territorial protection, and participation in municipal decision-making.
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