Estatua del Pescador (The Fisherman's Statue)

Built at the behest of local philanthropist Agustín Moreno Benítez, this large golden sculpture of a man carrying an oar is dedicated to fishermen. The town of Catemaco, built on the shores of the eponymous lake, has a long history of fishing, though nowadays, the town’s main economic activity is tourism.

Catemaco is the heart of the tropical Mexican Gulf destination known as Los Tuxtlas. The most common way to appreciate the lake’s islands and landscapes is through guided boat tours, and many of the town’s fishermen have now switched to this trade. 

Installed in 1989, the Estatua del Pescador (Fisherman’s Statue) is at the center of the town’s yearly Fisherman’s Day celebrations on May 30. It is located near the Plazuela del Brujo (Warlock’s Square), which is named after Julián Moreno Benítez, one of the community’s traditional healers.

In addition to its history of fishing, Catemaco has known for its culture of witchcraft since the early 1970s. Gonzalo Aguirre, a renowned sorcerer who lived in the region, organized a witchcraft convention that has become an annual three-day event in March. Much like voodoo and macumba, the magic practiced in this town is directly based on the beliefs of the region’s sizable population of African descent.