Coahuila is the third largest state in Mexico and is known for its mining, ecological reserves and coniferous forest.
The state is divided into 38 municipalities including Saltillo, the capital, Monclova and Piedras Negras. Coahuila is 151,571 km2 and is bordered by Texas, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Durango and Chihuahua.
The principal industry in the state is mining for iron, silver, lead, barita and coal. 100% of the nation’s coal is produced in Coahuila. This state is one of the more industrialized in the country with automotive, textile and metal working companies. Cattle ranching is also a predominant activity.
Coahuila is surrounded by huge, beautiful coniferous forests, with varied fauna, birds and small mammals. They also have some ecological reserves, mainly in the areas of Cuatrociénegas, Maderas del Carmen, Zapalinamé, and Los Novillos.
Some of the historical monuments and museums can take your breath away. These include: Cuatrociénegas, Casa Carranza Museum, Guerrero, the Mission of San Bernardo, Matamoros, Cueva del Tabaco, Monclova, Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol e Iglesia de San Francisco, Múzquiz, Iglesia Santa Rosa de Lima, Parras, Casa Madero, El Colegio de San Ignacio de Loyola, Parroquia de Santa María de Parras, San Pedro, Ramos Arizpe, Hacienda de Santa María, Hacienda de Guadalupe, Sabinas Casa Villa, Saltillo, Catedral de Santiago, Palacio de Gobierno, Templo de San Esteban, Iglesia de San Juan, Iglesia del Ojo de Agua, Recinto de Juárez, Ateneo Fuente, Tecnológico de Saltillo, San Pedro de las Colonias and el Museo de la Revolución where Francisco I. Madero wrote his book “The Presidential Succession.”
Culture is also alive in Coahuila where tourists and villagers can enjoy traditions and dancing. The corrido and the polka are sounds and rhythms that most characterize this state. One of the most well known festivals is held in Saltillo, Parras and San Pedro. Here you will see the “Matachines” dance, an old, rhythmic Mesoamerican dance, a legacy of the tlaxcalteca culture, the “Ojo de Agua” (Water Eye) dance, performed to the sounds of the violin and drum, and the dances of San Isidro and the Guadalupana. Another example of historical/cultural expression is the ritual celebrated by the settlers in this region, the kikapúes tribes. This ritual honors the death of their illustrious soldiers.
The craftsmen of Coahuila are famous for their leatherwork, beadwork, and wooden and metal animal figures. In Saltillo they make the famous sarapes in bright colors.
Dried meat has been a staple in this land for a millennium. Flour tortillas and wheat came by way of the Orient and were used daily by the settlers of this state. You will also find roasted goat, quince and peach candy, the famous tamales of burned milk candy, coco, fig, nut and the world-famous food known as nachos.
Coahuila is a state with much to offer. You must visit!
