Los Angeles Times

Widely damaged in quake, Mexican town learns that its beloved hall can be rebuilt

JOJUTLA, Mexico - The historic town hall has long been beloved by the people of Jojutla. And the sight of it after the Sept. 19 earthquake - its clock tower toppled, its bells exposed to the sky, huge gaping holes in its brick walls - led many to fear the worst.

It was as if the soul of Jojutla, a village in the state of Morelos two hours south of Mexico City, had been fatally wounded.

After all, the town hall - built a century and a half ago - is the heart of the tourist experience here. A place that marked the annual Independence Day celebrations with aplomb, filled with singing, mariachi music, food, folkloric dancing, a concert, the crowning of a beauty queen.

Just days

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