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Aguascalientes Mexico |
Aguascalientes was founded in 1575 and became a town in 1661. It
rests at 6,190 feet (1,888 meters) and is located between Mexico
City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
While Aguascalientes is one of the smallest states in Mexico, Aguascalientes
city (the capital) still has a quiet provincial atmosphere which
makes it a very comfortable place to live. You will find the people
here very friendly and relaxed . . . they call themselves
"Hidrocalidos" (warm), and someone will often say hello to you just
share the smile of a good day (something which has long been lost
in large cities).
Aguascalientes has prospered in recent years due to manufacturing
plants and its central location near major Mexican cities. However,
the age of the city means that you will still find beautiful Spanish
colonial architecture which is hundreds of years old in the historic
center.
Some central historico sites worthy of note are :
- El Palacio de
Gobierno (Town Hall)
- La Catedral (the oldest church in the
city, 1575).
- San Marcos Garden and San Marcos Church (almost everything
in the city is called San Marcos) are two of the main attractions
in Aguascalientes and definitely a must see in order to feel
that familiar Mexican province atmosphere.
- And don't miss the many museums around the city.
The town was named Aguascalientes for the number of hot springs
in the area. One of the most modern and popular hot spring baths
is the "Bath and Sport Center Ojocaliente". The facility
includes an Olympic sized swimming pool along with several other
smaller and private pools where people can relax in waters that range
from 96 to 104 F (36 to 40 C). You can find it at Km. 1 on the San
Luis Potosi Highway.
Are you the kind of traveler willing to try anything
once? Well then, you have to try the delicious Pozole de Lengua that
is basically a broth made of chile, corn and cow tongue.
Feria de San Marcos :
St. Mark's Fair is actually the number one tourist attraction in
Aguascalientes. It takes place in mid April (exact dates changes
yearly) but always includes April 25th (St. Mark's Day) and lasts
for three to four weeks.
Most of the year, Aguascalientes is a peaceful town . . . but during
this fiesta, the carnival spirit arrives with fun activities (all
of them including lots of party and alcohol). Nightlife is so great
during Feria de San Marcos, the whole city becomes one big bar and
party place.
If you plan on coming for this event, be sure to book a hotel early.
The Feria de San Marcos is the largest fair in Mexico and over a
million people are expected to visit during this period.
Some of the attractions of this festival include :
- A Casino!
- Bull Fights
- Cock Fights
- Concerts
- Rodeos
- A Traditional Costume Contest
- The World Famous Cervantine Festival
- And Industrial / Agricultural Exhibits
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