THE 5 MAGICAL TOWNS OF ZACATECAS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The magical towns of Zacatecas are communities that, because they have preserved their original architecture, traditions and customs, have been deserving of this distinction.

The Pueblos Mágicos program is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) of Mexico.

Tower Building

It consists of recognizing to the inhabitants of these historic communities the merit for the laudable work of protection and safeguarding of their cultural wealth.

The designation as a Magic Town, more than a label, is a benefit that is granted to the localities, which has been involved in the allocation of government budget items in order to support tourism and promote their culture.

You may also be interested in the history of Zacatecas or its culture.

5 Magical Towns of Zacatecas

1. Jerez de García de Salinas

This peaceful municipality was designated in 2007 as the first Magical Town of Zacatecas.

Its old houses with wide patios and eclectic architecture contrast with the provincial atmosphere that is enjoyed when walking through its colonial streets.

Among the most emblematic places in Jerez are:

• The Kiosk of the Main Square.
• The Hinojosa Theater.
• The Parish of the Immaculate Conception.
• The Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Soledad.
• The Tower Building.
• The portals of Inguanzo, Humboldt and Las Palomas.

Since 1824, Jerez de García de Salinas has been the venue for the Spring Fair, the oldest in Zacatecas.

2. Teúl de González Ortega

In Teúl, natural beauty is combined with colonial architecture in a warm, simple and welcoming environment.

It is the only municipality in Mexico that has dos Santos Mártires and pre-Hispanic monuments of marked relevance such as:

• The Parish of San Juan Bautista de Teúl.
• The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
• The Chapel of the Rosary.
• The Aqueduct.
• The Municipal Presidency.

It was declared the second Magical Town of Zacatecas in 2011.

3. Hat

It is one of the most outstanding colonial towns in Mexico. Sombrerete has been recognized since its inception for its gold and silver deposits.

Its main festival is held in February in the La Candelaria neighborhood, where the temple built by the indigenous people to venerate the Virgin of Candelaria is located.

Other emblematic sites of Sombrerete are:

• The Convent of San Mateo.
• The Sanctuary of Solitude.
• The Sierra de Órganos.

It was designated as the third Magical Town of Zacatecas in 2012.

4. Pines

This town was founded in the 16th century.

The characteristic elements of its culture are crafts, music and gastronomy that are evidenced in extraordinary and colorful textiles, colloquia or popular verses, the Matlachines dance and the distillation of varieties of mezcal.

The mining town of Pinos is home to important architectural structures of sacred and regional art:

• The Miguel Hidalgo Garden.
• The Public Clock Tower.
• The Parish of San Matías.

It was declared as the fourth Magical Town of Zacatecas in 2012.

5. Nochistlán de Mejía

This municipality is located in the south of the state of Zacatecas.

The historical value of Nochistlán de Mejía lies in the fact that during pre-Hispanic times it was inhabited by the fierce Caxcanes, an indigenous tribe that fought against the Spanish conquerors.

The most emblematic sites of this Magical Town are:

• The Temple of San Sebastián.
• The Los Arcos Aqueduct.
• The Outside Pile.
• The house of the Ruíz.
• The Monument to Tenamaxtle.

The hallmarks of the locals are mainly the festival of the "papaquis" in honor of San Sebastián and the unique mariachis.

It received its appointment as the fifth Magical Town of Zacatecas in 2012.

References

1. Places to go… 5 Magical Towns of Zacatecas. (2015, August 3). In: imagenradio.com.mx.
2. Magic towns. (October 30, 2017). In: es.wikipedia.org.
3. Magical Towns of Zacatecas Mexico. (sf). Retrieved on October 30, 2017 from: pueblosmexico.com.mx.
4. Magical Towns of Zacatecas, Historical and Tourist Richness. (2015, September 30). In: ntrzacatecas.com.
5. Zacatecas. (October 24, 2017). In: es.wikipedia.org.