PAPANTLA

in full Papantla De Olarte, city, north-central Veracruz estado (state), east-central Mexico. Formerly known as Papantla de Hidalgo, the city lies in the hills dividing the Cazones and Tecolutla river basins. Corn (maize), beans, tobacco, and fruits flourish in the hot, humid climate. The city is the centre of Mexico's most important vanilla-producing region; almost all the vanilla is exported. Cattle and pigs are also raised in the area, and petroleum fields are nearby. The ruins of Tajn, a Totonac Indian sacred city, are 6 miles (10 km) west of Papantla. Traditional Totonac dress, dances, and folklore have been preserved by the local population, which is largely Indian. Pop. (1990) 46,075.