The Legend of Zorro Brings Magic to Sinaloa
As part of new tourism ventures, Mexico’s Minister of Tourism, Rodolfo Elizondo, recently named the municipality of Sinaloa’s fort, El Fuerte de Sinaloa, the country’s 36th Magical Town, and the second one in the state.
Built in 1610, close to Los Mochis and Los Alamos in the neighboring state of Sonora, this fort is not only famous for its cultural and historical background, it is also known as Zorro’s Cradle because legend has it that the famous Diego de La Vega was born here and ultimately became known as Zorro.
In hopes of maintaining the true “magic” of these 36 Magical Towns, Elizondo recently established a new re-certification process allowing the opportunity to measure the development and tourism impact of each town, as well as ultimately guaranteeing the exceptional experience these towns have to offer.
The naming of El Fuerte as a Magic Town brings tourism investment, as Sinaloa will also be receiving more than 6 million dollars in funding to be allocated in tentative tourism projects, promotion and technical assistance.
For further information on El Fuerte, please visit, www.vivesinaloa.com.
Three New Archaeological Sites for Your Enjoyment
Mexico continues to expand its cultural offer with the National Institute of Anthropology and History’s (INAH) opening of three new archaeological sites in 2009.
The first site to open will be the Cañada de la Virgen (The Gorge of the Virgin), in the state of Guanajuato, located about 18 miles away from San Miguel de Allende. This “cosmic watch,” as it is called by astronomers and archaeologists will only allow 300 visitors per day accompanied by guides.
The state of Chiapas will open Chiapa de Corzo, where one can tour the Cañón del Sumidero (Sumidero Canyon) or visit the ex Convent of Santo Domingo to see some archaeological findings. The Bocana del Rio Copalita (Lagoon of the Copalita River), which was discovered in 1985 in Huatulco in the state of Oaxaca, will open its doors to display the cultures of the lower region of the Oaxacan coast.
For more information please visit:
Experience Mexico like No other at the San Marcos Fair
Many states in Mexico celebrate their tradition with fairs but Aguascalientes definitely hosts one of the most important: The San Marcos Fair. With a tradition dating back 181 years, The San Marcos Fair takes place from April 18th to May 10th, offering a rich variety of cultural events and food typical to its people. Visitors will immerse themselves in Mexican culture as they are entertained by in the performance of Voladores de Papantla, at the Palenque by night, and traditional bull fights by day. The fair is also a place for aspiring bull fighters to demonstrate their skills in the novilladas, where they can challenge younger bulls.
The San Marcos Fair offers something for everybody, from marionettes and educational petting zoos for young children, to bars and clubs for the older crowd. The fair even has its own casino for those seeking more excitement. But there’s more in Aguascalientes than just the fair. Impressive architecture, such as the San Marcos Temple, and markets selling typical dresses, display the city’s cultural richness.
If you want to come to close encounters with Mexican culture, The San Marcos Fair is perfect for you. Its unique Mexican traditions and welcoming people will make your visit to Mexico unforgettable.
For more information please visit:
www.aguascalientes.gob.mx/sectur
www.explorandomexico.com/about-mexico/11/29/
www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/tonysarticles/tbsanmarcosfair.html
Mexico and Tennis: A Perfect “Match” During the 2009 Sony Ericsson Open
The Mexico Tourism Board participated with great success in this year’s 2009 Sony Ericsson Open, which took place from March 25 through April 5 in Key Biscayne, Florida.
Visitors gathered at the Mexico booth to receive information of the amazing beach destinations the country has to offer and to photograph themselves in different locations in such as the arch formation in Los Cabos, the classic La Quebrada cliff in Acapulco and the archeological site of Tulum in the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya.
On Friday 27th, a crowd of over 14,000 cheered as they heard the announcement of a great giveaway from the MTB, the lucky winner received a round trip package with accommodations to the Riviera Maya. Many more raffles for different destinations like this one took place throughout the event, while the fans enjoyed the games with Mexican-themed cocktails.
Tennis fans and fashionistas alike gathered on April 1st at a fashion show, presented by the MTB, to preview the silky Spring/Summer 2009 collection of Mexican Fashion House Pineda Covalin.
Mexico’s participation at the SEO was a total success, so much you could say it was the perfect “match!”
