Devotee or fan: the town of Orizaba, 1762-1834

Abstract

Throughout the 18th century the town of Orizaba was building an image of devote
city. Image derived from the dense fabric of religious corporations that characterized
its urban space, was also one of the reasons for pride of local patriotism, an
argument in the dispute of civil corporations, and local demands to the Crown.
However, the piety and devotion from the people of Orizaba were questioned in
the press in early 19th century, forcing the local elite to build a new image of the
village, related to the promotion of the lights, both culturally and in the renewal of
the urban space. However, the politicization of first federalism brought criticisms
back, increasingly stronger to the village of Orizaba, earlier praised by devotee
and now despised by “fanatical”. This process clearly illustrates how the position
of religion was transforming into public opinion and pathways that secularization
was building.