[1][2] There are several versions of the original name of the town, the most accepted argument is that it was called x pʼíit jaʼ, which literally means "little water" in the Yucatec Maya language.

[4] On February 15, 1848, despite resistance from their neighbors, Espita fell into the hands of indigenous rebels during the Caste War, same as in 1850 led the espitans to defend the people against the attack of the indigenous rebels in known as the heroic deeds of the large fifteen of Espita.

During September 15, 1876, the town council changed the official name to Espita de Peniche Gutiérrez.

The final day is usually a walk around town and sang happy birthday to the saint accompanied by mariachis.

Unlike the celebration of December 25, the feast of San José is limited to masses and lacks a community festival with dairy, dancing and bullfights.