Location:
Veracruz State, eastern Mexico
Distance from Mexico City: 465 miles
east
Population: 400,000
Closest major airport: General
Heriberto Jara Intl aka Veracruz Intl (VER),
Time Zone: Central Standard
Capital of Veracruz State, Xalapa is often
referred to as the "Athens of Veracruz," a
city rich in history and a renowned cultural
center dating back to the 19th century.
Through time several fine arts schools have
been headquartered in Xalapa, including the
Preparatory College - El Colegio Nacional de
Xalapa established in 1843, and the Escuela
Normal Veracruzana opened in 1886. Today,
the city headquarters the University of
Veracruz, the prestigious Veracruz Cultural
Institute, as well as one of the best
symphony orchestras in the country.
Xalapa´s historic center is covered by straw
roofs and gardens that stretch from the
city’s historic parts to its more
contemporary neighborhoods. The Jardín
Juaréz is home to the Xalapa Symphony
Orchestra performances as well as an array
of other performing arts. In addition to
orchestras and theater productions, the
museums in Xalapa are also renowned. Some of
the most important museums include the Museo
de Antropología de Xalapa, Museo El Lencero
and the Museo de Ciencia y Tecnología.
Xalapa´s many museums, performing arts and
orchestras are only some of the reasons the
city is considered an established and
reputable cultural center.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also participate in
a variety of activities. Popular nearby
attractions include the waterfalls at Xico,
the traditional coffee town of Coatepec, the
Cofre de Perote and the town of Jalcomulco,
where travelers can practice numerous
adventurous sports including whitewater
rafting and mountaineering.
Several archaeological zones surround Xalapa.
Just 60 miles away from Xalapa is Cantona,
one of the most important archaeological
zones and considered one of the largest
cities in Mesoamerica with an area of 4,633
square miles. This prehispanic city features
a series of raised avenues, staircases and
alleys surrounded by pyramids and
twenty-four ball courts. Additional nearby
archeological sites include Quiahuitztlán
and Filalobos.
Shopping in Xalapa is available at the Casa
de Artesanías, which carries a variety of
souvenirs and handicraft gifts. Delightful
cuisine is also offered in Xalapa. Although
it is not a coastal city, it specializes in
seafood like the rest of the state of
Veracruz.. The villages nestled in the
sierra near Xalapa – Naolinco and Xico –
specialize in acamayas, a dish made from
river shrimp prepared with chipotle chili,
garlic and chile de árbol, and traditional
mole.
Xalapa is a splendid cultural center ready
to be explored by the fine arts lover, the
historian and the artist at heart. |
