By Liliana Rogz A very traditional dance from Michoacan, Mexico: “Danza de los Viejitos”. It is often performed on main squares in Morelia, Patzcuaro and other locations around the state. The photographs of this video were taken during a performance that took place in Patzcuaro.
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Procession of Silence
By Heliodoro Leon Cerna The procession of silence is a ritual with more than 55 years of tradition in Patzcuaro that is celebrated during Holy Week on Easter Saturday. It is carried out to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ by an act of mourning. It is carried out by the Hooded Brotherhood of the Lord of the Third Order of the temple of St. Francis of Assisi and was born in Pátzcuaro in 1964, with Father Juan Camacho as the assigned guardian. On this first occasion some…
Read MoreMorelia International Film Festival
The Morelia International Film Festival (FICM) is considered one of the most important in Latin America. It was created in 2003 with the purpose of promoting the work of Mexican filmmakers, spreading film culture in Mexico and creating a platform where the general public, national filmmakers and the international community can interact. During this 10-day event, national filmmakers compete in 4 different sections: Michoacan section, Mexican short film, Mexican feature film and Mexican documentary. In addition, there are workshops, conferences, retrospectives and premieres of films, both national and international. FICM…
Read MoreMorelia World Heritage Site
By Liliana Rodriguez Before the Spanish Conquer, the region that is now Morelia was known as Guayangareo valley and it was inhabited by a native group called the pirindas. The city was founded in 1541, but it received de name of Valladolid until 1577. In 1582, it replaced Patzcuaro as Capital of the Province of Mechoacan. During the 17th century Morelia experienced a period of growth and development; the convents of San Francisco and San Agustin were built during the first years, then the ones of El Carmen, La Merced…
Read MoreTzintzuntzan, the city of humingbirds
By Liliana Rodriguez HISTORY The City of Hummingbirds (translated from Purepecha to English) was the capital and the most important ceremonial center of the Purepecha Empire, because this place was were all the tribute was received. It was the biggest and most populated city in the whole region. After the Spanish Conquer, it was given the title of Capital City of the Province of Michoacan in 1523. A few years later, Vasco de Quiroga moved the capital to Patzcuaro. The city lost its social and economic importance after 1539, becoming…
Read MoreDoña Paca Restaurant in Patzcuaro Michoacan
By Liliana Elena González @mexatua I liked Doña Paca Restaurant since the first time I went there and tested Churipo (a purepecha dish). Mansion Iturbe´s restaurant has been my favorite in Patzcuaro for about 7 years. It has a delicious selection of authentic dishes from Michoacan. A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Doña Margarita (the owner) to try a new menu: shrimp patties for starters (tortitas de camaron) with 3 salsas: green sauce, morita chilli sauce and peron chilli sauce, Patzcuaro style fish with chayotes au gratin…
Read MoreTarascas Fountain & Villalongin Park in Morelia (Video)
By Liliana Elena Gonzalez @mexatua The Tarascas Fountain & Villalongin Park are located in downtown Morelia. Villalongín Square is a beautiful garden named after the Independence hero Manuel Villalongin. He rescued his wife from the Spanish prision that used to be in the same place. The Tarascas Fountain is located next to the Villalongín Square and it represents 3 purepecha women holding a tray filled with fruit. This has become one of the monuments that represent Morelia around the country.
Read MoreZirahuén: Mexico’s Walden Pond
By Linda Breen Pierce When I first set eyes on the pure, crystal blue waters of Lago (lake) Zirahuén in the central highlands of Mexico, my stomach did a nose dive. How could such striking alpine beauty exist in a country known for its beaches, desserts and low lying vegetation? Lago Zirahuén, surrounded by hills forested with pine, oak and ash trees, is a little known treasure in the state of Michoacán. A 20-minute drive on a well-maintained highway blessed with gorgeous views of forest and hillsides will bring you…
Read MoreMorelia the Cultural Jewel in Michoacan
By Lucille Arneson When I decided to retire, I knew I wanted some kind of an adventure offering different prospects of activity. When in college, I studied French; it seemed a natural, as after all, I was an art major and in love with the French Impressionists! When I moved to California and encountered the Spanish Missions built by Friar Junipero Serra, I found another love; this time in Spanish! I had one of those “déjà vu” moments that made me think I’d been there before. It was a very…
Read MoreMexatua Tour Day 2: Discovering Zirahuen
By Lucille Arneson Zirahuén Forest and Resort After a Continental breakfast at the Hotel Xandesti, we set out for our second day exploring the area, first going to the Zirahuén Forest and Resort. The only quick and easy way to get there is by boat across the deep blue, clean waters of Lake Zirahuén, a most beautiful lake, surrounded by forests of many shades of green. While bobbing in the boat, we were treated to soft drinks and marshmallows. I chose a Coca Cola, because of its ability to quiet…
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