Enjoy the Silver Capital of Mexico During Its Patron Saint Festivity

When visiting the Magical Town of Taxco in the state of Guerrero, the most impressive image is the majestic Santa Prisca Church. Commissioned in the 1500s by Don Jose de la Borda, a Frenchman of Spanish descent, the church built in the Churrigueresque (Spanish baroque) style, stands tall as the centerpiece of the city’s zocalo (central square).

Perhaps one of the best times to visit this church is on January 18th when the city celebrates its Patron Saint, the first century martyr who bore numerous tortures because she refused to deny Christianity. Most images of  Saint Prisca picture her surrounded by lions, which according to legend,, lay down next to her instead of devouring her. She was ultimately decapitated.
 
Festivities begin at midnight when people gather outside the church to sing Las Mañanitas to the saint to celebrate her birth.  Festivities continue throughout the day with dancing, music, parades, and many traditional food stands. The evening sky lights up with fireworks as the day’s festivities come to a close.

Taxco is known as Mexico’s Silver Capital and has been a popular destination for shopping lovers for years. Visitors will find a wide range of silver artifacts from high-quality artistic creations to mass-produced inexpensive souvenirs. Look for the .925 stamp which signifies that the piece is sterling silver, comprised of 93.5 percent silver plus 7.5 percent copper added for durability. Some of the most recognized collections are located in Taxco Viejo.

While shopping around, enjoy Taxco’s charming colonial town personality accented by cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses with red tile roofs. Here, you can walk everywhere and enjoy the company of friends and locals alike.

Visit the Museo de la Plateria (Silver Museum), where you can learn about the process for crafting silver and enjoy some of the most elaborate workings on this precious metal.  Also visit Plaza de la Borda to engage in some people watching, or take great photos from above the city by riding the cable cars. The beach destination of Acapulco is also close by.