Explore Jerez de García Salinas: Zacatecas' Cultural Gem

The Pueblo Mágico de Jerez (Magical Town of Jerez), in Zacatecas, is synonymous with drum music, 19th century quarry buildings, silver threads woven into arracadas, mango water ice, tostadas de cueritos, and the verses of Mexican poet Ramon Lopez Velarde. All this is combined in an extensive and almost flat valley that marks the entrance to the Tlaltenango Canyon.

 

Jerez is discovered on foot or by riding in an antique cart, suffice it to say that this is the traditional way to explore the main square and its surroundings. Unlike what you might imagine, the square is not an esplanade but a lush garden named after Rafael Paez. This is where the famous tamborazo (drumming) bands gather, which at night take tourists on a tour of the streets with little jars of mezcal. They say that if the garden could be seen from above, it would emulate an eight-petal rose, thanks to the Moorish kiosk in its center.

 

Two blocks away, you can see the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Sanctuary), whose interior is similar to the Santuario de Santiago de Compostela (Santiago de Compostela Sanctuary), in Spain. Further on, there is the Edificio de la Torre which proudly shows the artisan work of the master stonemasons of Jerez. It is necessary for the walks to culminate in the Hinojosa Theatre, which retains its seats and balconies carved in wood.

 

The monuments that are visited are the same ones that inspired the poet Ramón Pérez Velarde, the prodigal son of Jerez, and who has his own interactive museum to listen to his verses. Another attraction for tourists are the garrafa water ice shops, some of which are over 40 years old, and the triciclos de tostadas, el antojito is one of the star dishes, they say the best are sold near the main garden.

 

Before the night falls, you must go to Corredor Artesanal (Artisan's Corridor), which has workshops where you can see how the arracadas jerezanas are made. These jewels are woven with silver thread and have the texture of lace. Other handicraft techniques can also be appreciated: saddlery, pottery and quarrying. Maps of the corridor are distributed in the Rafael Páez garden.

 

Jerez is also enjoyed at night with its tours of the Panteón Dolores leyends or with a visit to the archaeological zone of La Quemada to observe stars. The finishing touch will be the comfort of a good bed, the hotels in Jerez have the characteristic of offering a personalized service and are located around the central square.

 

The next day, you should visit the surrounding area which includes Sierra de Cardos and its rock formations of almost 200 meters (656 feet) high. The natural site is located less than half an hour from Jerez.

 

How to get there? From the city of Zacatecas, there is a bus ride to Jerez, the estimated travel time is one hour.