San Melchor Betaza is a town and municipality located in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. It forms part of the Etla District in the central valleys (Valles Centrales) region of the state. The municipality covers an area of approximately 19 km² (7.3 sq mi). According to the 2005 census conducted by Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI), the municipality had a total population of about 560 inhabitants.
Geographically, San Melchor Betaza lies at an elevation of roughly 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level, which contributes to a temperate climate relative to the surrounding lowlands. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with residents cultivating staple crops such as corn, beans, and squash. Livestock raising and modest artisanal production also play a role in the community’s livelihood.
The town’s name combines a dedication to Saint Melchior, one of the traditional names attributed to the Magi, with “Betaza,” a term of indigenous origin that is believed to derive from the Zapotec or Mixe languages, though the precise etymology is not definitively documented.
Cultural life in San Melchor Betaza includes Catholic religious observances, particularly the annual fiesta honoring its patron saint, Saint Melchior, which typically features Mass, processions, traditional music, and communal meals.
Administrative details:
- Country: Mexico
- State: Oaxaca
- District: Etla District
- Time zone: Central Standard Time (UTC‑6); Central Daylight Time (UTC‑5) during daylight saving time.
Further demographic and socioeconomic data beyond the 2005 census are not readily available in public encyclopedic sources; updated statistics would need to be obtained from more recent governmental surveys or local administrative records.
