Zacatecas
Zacatecas is a state of spectacular landscapes known for its mineral wealth (especially silver) and is also the major railway center of the country.
Zacatecas is 46,627.69 square miles and is made up of 57 municipalities. It is bordered by the states of San Luis Potosí, Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Durango and Coahuila and its major cities include Chalchihuites, Sombrerete, Chicomostoc, Tepetongo, Fresnillo, Tlaltenango, Guadalupe, Villa García, Jerez de Garcia Salinas, and the state capital, Zacatecas.
Economically, the state is known for its wealth of gold, copper, lead, cadmium, sulfate of calcium, zinc and silver. Agricultural production plays a large part in the state’s economy. Their principal products are broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, onions, oregano, guavas, beans, grapes, and chilies.
Zacatecas is vital to the railway network of Mexico. The “Central Railroad” route goes from the border in Chihuahua to the state of Mexico in the southern part of the country.
Colonial sites are a fundamental part of the tourist industry in the state, so the government places a lot of emphasis on maintaining the original religious and civil structures. These efforts have earned the capital city, Zacatecas, a place on UNESCO’s “World Heritage” list. Some of these sites include the Santo Domingo Cathedral, the old San Agustín Convent, the González Ortega Market, the Fernando Calderón Theater, the Government Palace, The Palace of Justice, the “El Cubo” Aqueduct and the old Casa de La Moneda (Royal Mint).
Other places worth visiting are Chalchihuites, Sombrerete, Chicomostoc, Tepetongo, Fresnillo, Tlaltenango, Guadalupe, Jerez de García Salinas, Villa García and the capital, Zacatecas.
Culturally, Zacatecas also offers a large variety of museums that provide an historical account of the region: Toma de Zacatecas Museum, Francisco Goitia Museum, Manuel Felguérez Museum, Pedro Coronel Museum, Rafael Coronel Museum, University of Sciences Museum, Episcopal Gallery Museum, Regional History Museum, Virreinal de Guadalupe Museum, and the Zacatecas Cultural Museum. The archeological sites, “Altavista” and “La Quemada”, also draw many tourists every year.
The state capital is rich in attractions, culture and history. It has something to offer every taste including beautiful scenery, mountain ranges, canyons, grottos, archeological sites and an interesting group of native people.
The craftsmanship and creativity of the Zacatecano can be seen in their magnificent works of silver, stone and textiles. Visitors can purchase these works of art at the Centro Platero de Zacatecas (Silversmith Center), the Commercial Center “El Mercado” (The Market), the Tienda de la Mujer y de Artesanías (Women’s Craft Store), as well as small stores sprinkled throughout the city. Other crafts in the region are embroidery, spinning, weaving, tablecloths, decoratively sewn belts, forged iron, semiprecious stones, onyx pieces, and sculptures made of a mixture of quarry dust and resin.
The Zacatecana table is dressed in long tablecloths with a variety of food that captivates the palates of its visitors. Some examples of their rich culinary arts are Asado de Boda (a traditional wedding dish of roasted pork), birria de carnero (sheep meat cooked in red sauce and spices), menudo, pozole rojo (red hominy soup), enchiladas, marinated meat in red chili, and stuffed and stewed gorditas.
Musically, Zacatecas is linked with the tamborazo (large drum). A typical night of dancing in this area starts with a group of 8 to 10 musicians who play songs from the region.
The festivities of the state are varied throughout the year. The occasion can range from the celebration of a patron saint, to a commemoration for any reason involving sports, culture, business, art, or cooking. Some of their festivals include: the Tlaltenango Regional Fair, the Juchipila Regional Fair, the Candelaria Fair, the Pinos Regional Fair, Carnival, the Zacatecas Cultural Festival, the Primavera Fair, the Summer Festival, the Tastuanes, the Zacatecas International Folklore Festival, the Fresnillo Regional Fair, the Grape and Tuna Fair, the Zacatecas National Fair, the Zacatecas Fall Music Festival, the Guadalupe Regional Fair and the Jalpa Regional Fair.
Zacatecas has a lot to offer. From its warm people to its excellent tourist services and great variety of activities, visitors are ensured of a unique experience.