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Zacatecas Mexico |
Zacatecas (population 183,000) is known as "la ciudad de cantera
rosa" or "the city made of pink stone". A beautiful
city on a hill (8200 ft. / 2485 m.) which seemingly grew overnight
in the mountains of Nowhere Mexico . . . In truth, it was the discovery
of Silver in them there hills and the subsequent mines that were
responsible for the rise of this city in 1546.
Note : Zacatecas mining operations were one of the main providers
of Spanish gold while Mexico was a colony known as New Spain.
An interesting factoid about the church of Santo Domingo here .
. . It turns out that this is actually one of the churches built
and occupied by the Jesuits before King Charles III of Spain ordered
his recently appointed viceroy to New Spain, Carlos Francisco de
Croix, to expel the Jesuits from the colony in 1767. It appears that
nothing other than speculation exists to explain why. The Jesuits
were seen as interpreters of orthodoxy, universally loved by the
people, and their expulsion caused uprisings throughout the colony.
While no more than speculation exists to explain this extremely unpopular
move, one must always assume that governments, kingdoms, and despots
have but two motives . . . money and power. Something or someone
within the Jesuit order was seen as threatening one of these . .
. did someone use the "D" word (democracy)?
Well, Mexican independence was declared in 1810 and half a century
later came the Reform Wars. This time the Augustinian Friars were
expelled from the church of San Agustin as the property was made
public . . . sold, and reportedly turned into a hotel with a pool
hall and casino. As expected, there were excommunications O' plenty
as the Bishop of Zacatecas promptly condemned those responsible to
burn in hell for all eternity.
Today . . . tourism, rather than the Silver mines, are what drive
the economy of Zacatecas. Old churches still decorate the narrow
stone streets of this beautiful city . . . but the Mercado and small
jewelry shops are where most of the money (and Zacatecan silver)
changes hands.
There was once a very important battle which took place on the top
of a nearby hill (La Bufa) in the revolution (1920). Take the sky
car to the top where you will find a nice museum and great views
of the city.
There is also a mine that you can visit right in the middle of town
(Mina El Eden) where you can take a tour and learn about the procedures
used to collect and process the ore.
Then again, you may have more fun waiting to visit the mine at night.
That's right . . . throw on your best polyester and check out the
hopping disco IN THE MINE! Yes, I'm serious . . . they take you down
a cave on a funny little train. The music isn't very good but it
can get pretty cold, so wear a jacket, keep dancing, and drinking.
A place that you have to dance and drink to stay warm is a sure-fire
recipe for a good time :)
Want a few more ideas?
- Visit the main Cathedral
- Pig out on gorditas at la plaza de armas
- Take a walk around la alameda and check out the plaza
- Visit the Calderon Theater
It can be very cold in Zacatecas, so check the weather forecast
before visiting La ciudad de Cantera rosa. |
