Durango, Mexico: Vacations and travel info

Description

The city of Durango, founded on July 8, 1562, occupies an extensive stretch of flat and fertile land in the midst of hills. This region to the northwest of Mexico has been inhabited for approximately two thousand years, starting with groups of nomads and later by Zacateco and Tepehuano ethnic groups. The natural richness of this valley, its excellent location in relation to diverse rivers and farming lands were the factors that converted this area into a great city. Although it's well-known simply as Durango, the official name of the city is "Victoria de Durango" (in reference to Guadalupe Victoria, the first president of Mexico who was born in the state of Durango).

The climate is diverse, from a humid heat in the summertime to the intense cold and sometimes snow, of the wintertime. Regardless, the city is an excellent place to live, due to its geographic location, its rich history, recreational options and growing economy.

Durango has a great variety of natural attractions, archeological zones, museums, nighttime entertainment options and a series of restaurants of many types of food and styles for all budgets.

The Land of Movies

Durango is known as the "Land of Movies", due to the natural beauty as well as being a popular site for both national and international movie directors and producers. Even in Hollywood, Durango is known as "Movieland", not only for its beautiful landscapes, both natural and architectural (historical buildings, beautiful churches, haciendas and parks), but also for its movie sets and an abundance of people qualified to work on a set.

The movie industry has come to define Durango and has the ideal infrastructure for cinematographic productions. There is also a special section that is in charge of welcoming and assisting any cinematographic, televised or video production. Its job is to make sure that the productions have the complete support of the government, from beginning to end, providing support in locations, permits, work visas, transportation, catering services, shipping equipment, hiring personnel, etc... Everything in Durango is a true paradise for the audiovisual artist and even the renowned director, Francis Ford Coppola had remarked that Durango is a "majestic, extensive and amazing" location.

A number of celebrities such as Ringo Starr, Jane Fonda, Kevin Costner, Anthony Quinn and many others have filmed in Durango. There are also museums in the city that show memorabilia, posters, photos and other tidbits from the different movies that were filmed here.

Musical Calling

Among the many characteristics of Durango, one that has developed and become more popular is the traditional "Pasito Duranguense" (the Duranguen Step). It is a rhythm that has its origin in Durango and is also known as the "Duranguense" among locals. There are many nightclubs, bars and entertainment centers of the city where you can go and listen to this type of music and learn the step, if you like.

This musical genre has also gained popularity in the United States, especially where there is a large Mexican-American community, such as in Chicago, Illinois. And though there is a similarity between the Duranguense, Banda music and Nortena music, the essence of the Duranguense is very different and has characteristics that distinguish it perfectly.