Puebla de Zaragoza Local Customs

La China Poblana is a revered citizen of Puebla. Catarina, originally name Mirrha, was an Asian girl who came to Mexico in 1620 as a servant and left her mark on the traditions of the Spanish colonial region with her clothing. They say she was probably sold into servitude by traders in the port of Acapulco. She is believed to have been captured by South Seas pirates when she was nine. Evidence indicates she was named Mirrha and came from India, through Spanish controlled ports in the Philippines.

She is believed to have been bought by Miguel de Sosa, who baptized the eleven-year-old "Chinese girl" and gave her the Christian name Catarina de San Juan. After Sosa and his wife died, Catarina married Domingo Suarez, the Chinese servant of a local priest, adding to the legend that she was Chinese.

Her dress style now known as China Poblana, a white blouse and colorful embroidered red and green shirt, has evolved to include the national symbols of Mexico - an eagle clutching a snake, and prickly pair cactus. A woman who wears the dress usually braids her hair on two sides, tied with red, white and green ribbons.

Some Mexican people attribute the style to the indigenous people of the region, believing they wore a dress style that resembled a Chinese dress, while most others believe the style developed from the "Chinese girl" who was a servant in Puebla. They say it is widely known and handed down through local tradition. People admired La China Poblana for her generosity and exotic beauty, and they honored her by wearing her dress style.

Catarina de San Juan (1609-1688) is believed buried at he Templo de la Compania. The Museo Casa del Alfenique exhibits China Poblana costumes and several local restaurants bear the name of La China Poblana. A monument to La China Poblana at the intersection of Boulevard Heroes del 5 de Mayo and Avenida Defensores de La Republica and her likeness can be found in many places throughout the city.