Michoacan, Mexico: Vacations and travel info

Description

Situated in an area of Mexico called the Central-Occidental, the state of Michoacan boasts an impressive natural environment and a beautiful climate. The name of the state actually comes from the Nahuatl language and means "Land of Fishermen".

It is known that the lands of Michoacan have been populated for approximately six thousand years by diverse groups that mainly settled in the basin of the Chapala and Cuitzeo Rivers. The Nahuas, Otomies and Matlazincas were among these groups, but the most dominant ones, without a shred of doubt, were the Purepechas, also known as Tarascos. During the colonial period, the region of Michoacan was part of the Valladolid Intendance, a territory of New Spain.

The natural and historic richness of Michoacan offer the perfect opportunity to spend a memorable vacation full of culture, history, and colorfully magical experiences. A vacation in Michoacan means discovering art, handicrafts, natural beauty, music, and ancient traditions. It is a state you cannot help but fall in love with, and when you have been there you will understand. Visit Michoacan and experience it for yourself!

Cultural Events

Known as The Soul of Mexico, Michoacan is a state rich in tradition and culture, found in the cities, towns and people. The cultural events, art festivals, traditional fairs, concerts, folklore and gastronomy are all expressions of the fantastic cultural tapestry of Michoacan.

The most prominent events of the year include the International Film Festival every October in Morelia, the International Music Festival and the International Guitar Festival which features performers from around the world. Other important events are the International Organ Festival in Morelia, the Summer Guitar Festival in Patzcuaro, and the Handicraft Expo in Uruapan, which is one of the biggest exhibitions of handicrafts in Latin America, held during Holy Week.

The traditional Fair of the Neighborhoods, a colorful parade that displays the city's history and roots, is well known in Uruapan. Other outstanding events include the National Guitar Fair in the town of Paracho (considered the place where the world's best guitars are produced) and the National Copper Fair in Santa Clara del Cobre, near Patzcuaro. The variety and frequency of cultural activities, concerts, plays, music shows, conferences, and exhibitions, makes Michoacan one of the most active states when it comes to cultural events.

Patzcuaro

Named "Magic Town" by the Mexican government, Patzcuaro is one of the most beautiful traditional towns in Mexico. It has colossal temples, the spectacular Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, beautiful adobe constructions and it is considered one of the main tourist centers in the Mexican Republic. During the pre-Hispanic era, it was an important ceremonial center of the Purepechas, and even today the surrounding areas are inhabited by native tribes that still preserve their traditions. The town's fishermen are famous for their butterfly-shaped nets which they use to catch the delicious white fish, which is so prominent in the cuisine of Michoacan.

Patzcuaro has an atmosphere that takes you into the past yet features all the comforts of modern life. Enjoy first-class entertainment, excellent restaurants, and a huge variety of activities, including architectonic, archeological, and natural attractions, both in the city and the surrounding areas. Likewise, you can find an array of interesting handicrafts and incredible cuisine, along with the renowned "Nieve de Pasta," an ice cream made out of a milk-based paste created in this town.

Located only 33 miles away from the city of Morelia, Patzcuaro is also the point of departure to visit the mystical island of Janitzio, one of the most popular places to visit during the "Night of the Dead".

Janitzio

Janitzio is a quaint island located only 20 minutes away from Patzcuaro's dock and it is where the 130-foot tall monument in honor of Don Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon stands proud in the center. The native community that inhabits this beautiful place still preserves its customs. One of the most famous revolves around the Night of the Dead. During this celebration, all the fishermen sail out with their butterfly-shaped nets and light up their boats with candles.

Uruapan

Only 63 miles away from Morelia, you will find the second most important city in the state of Michoacan: Uruapan, "the place where everything blooms", according to the original Purepecha. It's also known as the world capital for avocados, which is the city's main export.

Among Uruapan's main attractions there are magnificent historic monuments, parishes, and chapels. In the many different areas of the city, you can find murals made by important artists from Michoacan. During your visit to Uruapan, take time to discover the beautiful handicrafts made using pre-Hispanic techniques and also the works in lacquer, wood, textiles, and cane paste.

Because of its location in one of Michoacan's most fertile regions, Uruapan also has a variety of natural attractions that you can visit both in and around the city. Since the Cupatitzio River crosses Uruapan, the city offers a national heritage park, where you can admire the source of the Cupatitzio as well as different cascades and other natural attractions. In Uruapan, you will also have the opportunity to taste the famous succulent "carnitas," pork deep fried in lard, as well as the world's best avocado.

Zamora

The city of Zamora is one of the main driving forces behind the industry of Michoacan. The headquarters of many large companies are based in Zamora, and it has become a very popular destination with business travelers. In spite of its business-oriented atmosphere, Zamora also features a variety of natural and cultural attractions, restaurants, and leisure options. The region of Zamora is also an important strawberry producer, and you can always find this juicy fruit on offer around the city. As for architecture, Zamora features one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Mexico, which is still unfinished.

Zitacuaro

Zitacuaro is located in the region of Michoacan called "Country of the Monarch Butterfly," very close to the natural sanctuaries where these wonderful insects visit every year after traveling more than three thousand miles from the border of Canada and the United States, to Michoacan. About 140 million butterflies arrive en masse to the Oyamel Forest, transforming their journey into a spectacular attraction for tourists and visitors, and an example of willpower for everyone.

Since Zitacuaro is essentially dedicated to commerce, it features some good hotels both in downtown, where the hectic commercial life takes place, and in the surrounding areas, where it is possible to enjoy a peaceful family vacation in close contact with nature, a memorable honeymoon or simply a relaxing business stay.

In addition, near Zitacuaro, there are many natural attractions, places to rest and to have enriching cultural experiences, including ecotourism, hot springs, lagoons, mines, and even archaeological sites of the indigenous groups that inhabited the region.