Orizaba hosts first Xoloitzcuintle cultural festival

The city of Orizaba held the first edition of the Xoloitzcuintle Dog Festival, bringing together approximately 30 dogs from Acultzingo, Córdoba, and Ciudad Mendoza. The event featured a procession from Castillo Park to the Alameda Central in the historic center to celebrate the breed's deep roots in pre-Hispanic Mexican culture.

As an emblematic symbol of Mexican identity, the Xoloitzcuintle holds spiritual significance in Mexica cosmology, where they were believed to guide the deceased through the underworld, Mictlán. The festival aimed to promote the breed's biocultural heritage and educate the public on their historical importance.

Due to their lack of hair, Xoloitzcuintles require specific care to protect their skin from environmental factors such as sun exposure, cold, and friction. Experts recommend using dog-specific sunblock and light clothing to prevent damage from intense sunlight.