Indulge in The Mystical Mexican Retreat That Is Michoacán
The western Mexican state of Michoacán is steeped deep in history, culture and natural beauty. The state’s nomenclature originates from Nahuatl tradition. Which means ‘place of the fishermen’, referring to the fisher folk residing by the Lake Patzcuaro. The state capital is Morelia, named after Jose Maria Morales, who is one of the most celebrated heroes of the Mexican War of Independence. Morelia was adjudged a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for its importance in history and the preservation of Spanish Colonial architecture. Michoacán is also known for its large swathes of indigenous population and practices, with a sizable number of them classified as Purepecha people, who were said to have rivalled the Aztec Empire during the Spanish Inquisition.
Along with the history, what can one expect while visiting this pristine state and all that it encompasses? What must one definitely include in their Michoacán itinerary planner?
Enjoy the vibrant colours of this insect’s wings
Monarch Butterfly, Michoacán by Luna sin estrellas.
The El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary must be included in your Michoacán travel planner for Michoacán. The renowned Monarch butterfly species makes this ecosphere its home from the months of October to March, with many of them migrating from as far as Canada. It is a government-owned preservation hotspot on the eastern border of the state near a village called Angangueo. The butterflies arrive in millions, with the Mexican winter a relatively warmer alternative. Interestingly, they don’t use their wings much. Instead, they tae the help of air currents to a large measure to reach their destination.
Can’t miss out on the Magic Town
Magic town in Michoacán Rob222 Aguilar.
The Mexican government has deemed the town of Patzcuaro to be a Magic Town owing to all its wondrous and marvellous sights. The churches with their architecture are larger than life, with a magnificent city central square adorning its landscape. The Lake Patzcuaro, as mentioned earlier has a huge role in the state’s nomenclature, just as the town’s deep Purepecha roots have to do with its culture. The seafood in this town in most of its teeming restaurants is rated very highly. Also, a particular type of caramel ice-cream named Nieve de Pasta is said to have been created here.
If you love avocado, you’ve lucked out here!
Uruapan, Michoacán by Christian Hernandez.
Believe it or not, Michoacán is home to the avocado capital of the world with the city of Uruapan boasting that distinction. Considered the second-most important city in the state, Uruapan must make it to your Michoacán trip planner for its comprehensiveness . There are stunning churches and chapels, grandiose monuments and surreal natural beauty due to the fertile nature of this region. With the Cupatitzio River flowing through the city, you have a national heritage site and a nature park within the city’s confines. At this spot, one can see where the river begins, the waterfalls and all the surrounding flora.
Some fresh lava?
Paricutin Volcano, Michoacán by Thomassin Mickaël.
The Paricutin Volcano in Michoacán is a major attraction. It is the youngest volcano in the world, having buried two entire villages beneath its lava and ash when it erupted from a cornfield in 1943. The only visible establishment in those parts is the church tower at San Juan, peeking out of the rough sea of lava. The volcano has also been considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world by some.
Live up The Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead celebrating in Michoacán by Bryan Crump.
Dia de Los Muertos or the Day of the Dead is a customary South American tradition of honouring the dead and acknowledging the continuance of life. This festival is celebrated with the utmost vigour and pomp in the capital of Morelia. Morelia has roots synonymous with a lot of those who lost their lives in the Mexican War of Independence. Interestingly, Morelia is informally also called the Spanish city in all of Mexico.
Mexico can be enchanting with a lot of its contemporary culture intertwining and digressing from its past. Visit Michoacán to get an authentic taste of the past.
Image credits.
Main.