1848, despite resistance from their neighbors, Espita fell into the hands of indigenous rebels during the Caste War, same as in 1850 led the espitans to defend the people against the attack of the indigenous rebels in known as the heroic deeds of the large fifteen of Espita. On April 29, 1852, the Honorable Legislature of the State rose the place to the category of town. During September 15, 1876, the town council changed the official name to Espita de Peniche Gutiérrez. Geography Climate Demographics According to the 2005 census made by the INEGI, the population of the town was 10,758 (74.54% of the municipality), of which 5,429 were men and 5,329 women. According to CONAPO, the expected population of 2010 is 12,110 people and 12,390 in 2011. Education Culture Popular festivities The festivities in honor of baby Jesus, who along with Saint Joseph is the catholic patron saint of Espita, held from December 19 to 29, being the December 25 the main day of festivities. Are held apart from the various religious ceremonies, bullfights, gremios (dances during the day), dances in the evenings and traditional vaquerías. The final day is usually a walk around town and sang happy birthday to the saint accompanied by mariachis. The county fair usually runs until the December 31 and it will receive visitors from all neighboring towns and families with origins in the town who live mainly in the cities of Cancun and Merida, Yucatan. Since 2009, the fair activities are managed by the group called "Asociación de Palqueros en Fortalecimiento de Nuestras Tradiciones" which is responsible for overseeing the activities of the celebration in honor of baby Jesus. During the month of March is celebrated in San José, which is the main employer in the community since before 1650, and in his honor was erected in the village church, although not given as much attention as the December celebration. Unlike the celebration of December 25, the feast of San José is limited to masses and lacks a community festival with dairy, dancing and bullfights. See also Espita Municipality Yucatán (state) References Bibliography External links Espita.gob.mx – Official site of the town. (site temporarily suspended) Panoramio – Espita's photos at Panoramio. Populated places in Yucatán