“Place where the
grass is plentiful”
Population: 1,400,000
Size: 28,505 square miles
Location: Central Mexico
Borders: Durango, Coahuila, San Luis Posoti,
Jalisco, Nayarit and Aguascalientes
Important cities/sites within the state: Alta
Vista archeological zone, La Quemada archeological
zone, Sierra de los Organos, Sombrerete, Zacatecas
Major airport(s): Leobardo C. Ruiz Intl. aka
Zacatecas Intl. (ZCL)
Web site: www.zacatecas.gob.mx
Founded in 1546, Zacatecas offers a rich historical
culture combined with 21st -century living. From
fascinating museums and cable-car rides of ancient
mines, to villages where traditional silversmiths
still live and work, the state of Zacatecas is a
place where centuries of history meet modern-day
elegance and commodity.
Following the discovery of silver deposits, the city
of Zacatecas was founded and soon declared a World
Heritage site, with stunning religious and civil
buildings built by the church. Its culture thrives
on Mexican cowboys, silver pieces and leatherwork
and is home to some of the most important museums in
the country, including a museum featuring masks from
every region, and a museum that exhibits sculptures
and paintings from the Greek and Picasso eras.
Given its devout history, Zacatecas also has a
profoundly religious nature, traditionally expressed
during Holy Week in a massive procession with
candles that ends in the cathedrals. Today, the
high-spirited and folkloric celebration has grown to
a series of popular and artistic cultural activities
held in its gardens, theaters, museums and even in
former bullrings, where paintings are auctioned.
Other activities unique to Zacatecas range from
visiting archaeological sites like La Quemada,
discovered in 300 AD, to viewing architectural
masterpieces. Traditional Zacatecas handicrafts like
silver and leatherwork are also major attractions,
along with vibrant celebrations and eccentric
cuisine. The customary Zacatecas menu can include
anything from asado de boda, pipián ranchero and
chiles rellenos to enchiladas, pozole zacatecano and
the famous molcajate.
Visiting Zacatecas is a colonial-era flashback. The
pink stone filigree used in its cathedrals and
monasteries are unmistakably reminiscent of historic
times. The late 19th century architectural marvels
like Teatro Calderón and the wrought iron work
adorning its balconies are proof of an unforgettable
past. |