Aguascalientes, The City of Spas



Posted: Friday, October 08, 2010

by Rosa Carvajal
Patawalk Virtual Tours

It is hard to believe that Aguascalientes began as a tiny stopping point between Zacatecas and Mexico City. It has Juan de Montoro, accompanied by twelve families in 1575, that first established the city. Due to its thermal waters, the city was named Aguascalientes meaning "hot waters." Slowly but surely the city grew from the initial four neighborhoods: Guadalupe, Triana, La Salud, and San Marcos. San Marcos is well-known due to its incredibly beautiful garden, whose four arches stand as a welcome symbol to all visitors. Guadalupe is historically known because this was the exact area where travelers from and to Zacatecas and Mexico stayed overnight to get some rest. But what is even more outstanding about this neighborhood is that it houses Mexico's most stunning cemetery. It sounds odd that a cemetery is stunning, but this one is truly beautiful, trust me. Triana is named after a neighborhood of the same name in Spain. What stands out most about this neighborhood is the incredible Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe). La Salud is the last of the four original neighborhoods. Interestingly, this particular neighborhood was initially intended to be a convent, but it was never finished.

It is the historical colonial buildings (including stone-paved streets) along with the easiness of modern life that makes this city so relaxing and laid back. As proof of Aguascalientes' rich culture one must simply visit one or two of the city's copious museums or theaters. One particular important museum is that of the State History Museum. It is particularly interesting that the museum is in none other than a Porfirian-period mansion. What I loved most about this mansion is the pink-colored stones, which I was told is a notable characteristic of Porfirian Eclecticism. Another museum I recommend is the Guadalupe Posada Museum, which is dedicated to one particular notable man of the same name. Posada has been credited for beign the "fundador del arte moderno mexicano" (founder of modern Mexican art). There are also other several very modern museums. For instance, in Museo Descubre (Discover Museum) you'll have the opportunity to learn and immerse yourself in everything science and technology. El Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (the Museum of Contemporary Art) is another modern museum, definitely worth a visit. This museum features interesting works of the contemporary art.

Equally filled with culture are the multiple theaters scattered throughout the city. One great theater, and historically important for its role during the Mexican Revolution, is the Morelos Theater. If you'd like to enjoy some opera, then the Aguascalientes Theater is the perfect place. Two more historical important places are the city's first bathhouses, which by the way are very much in use today. These are Centro Cultural Los Arquitos (The Arcs Cultural Center) and Ojocaliente (Hot Eye). In fact, these two make honor to the city's name for they have the city's famed thermal springs. The Plaza de Toros (Bullring) is well worth a visit if not for the shows then for its architectural value.

The city's most important event, and perhaps even the country's most notable event, is the famed Feria de San Marcos (The Fair of Saint Mark). This fair has been known to attract over a million visitors from all over the country and some foreigners. The San Marcos Fair takes place in the neighborhood of the same name, it has been celebrated in honor of Saint Mark for hundreds of years, and it runs for about four weeks between April and May. The city really comes alive during this time, for it is like a 24-hour party. You'll find everything from bullfights, rodeos, a casino (specifically open for this occasion), dances, mechanical rides, concerts, and an incredibly array of traditional foods and drinks.

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