[2] At the end of the 16th century, when the Spanish returned to the settlement in San Juan de Ulúa, the town entered into decline and was renamed to "La Antigua" to avoid confusion with the new city.

In 1855 was started the construction of the Ferrocarril Interoceánico, which passed through the municipality of La Antigua and led to the foundation to the city of San Francisco de las Peñas.

On January 1, 1913, the municipal seat of La Antigua was changed from the nameshake town to the town of San Francisco de las Peñas, title which was returned to La Antigua 1914, but finally ceded the municipal seat to San Francisco de las Peñas on April 1, 1925, which was renamed shortly to José Cardel.

[6][7] The house was built in 1523 and was constructed with corals, snail slime, oyster, nopal, volcanic stone, brick and stucco; but since a hurricane hit the area in the 19th century is completely covered with roots and vines.

[9] Carnival: Celebrated in March, masks and costumes Fiesta de la Santa Cruz: On May 3, several dances accompanied by music are held in the town.

Fiesta de Santa Ana: On June 26, with the towns of Alvarado and Tlacotalpan, processions in honor to the Virgins of the Candelaria and Rosario are made along the La Antigua River.