Magdalena de Kino: Jesuit Legacy and Gastronomic Jewel of Sonora

Sonora is distinguished by its gastronomy and by the cultural heritage inherited from the mission, which were established throughout its extensive territory despite its hot climate and the long distances between its towns.

 

One of the missionaries who, during the colonial era, dedicated himself to evangelizing the indigenous people who inhabited this state was the Jesuit Eusebio Francisco Kino, to whom the Pueblo Mágico de Magdalena de Kino (Magical Town of Magdalena de Kino) owes its name.

 

Magdalena de Kino is located at the north of the state of Sonora, two hours by car from Hermosillo, its capital, and one hour and 15 minutes from Nogales. It also usually receives foreign visitors from Tucson, Arizona, since it is a two-and-a-half hour drive.

 

The climate in Magdalena de Kino is semi-dry and very hot, so if you are visiting in the spring don't forget to take sunscreen, a hat or cap, the summers are dry and in the winter the temperatures drop, mainly in December and January, so it is very important that you pack warm clothes. The average temperature is 26º C (78.8º F).

 

The founder of this town was the military man Juan Bautista de Escalante in the 17th century. His arrival was accompanied by the Mission of Santa María Magdalena, which was destroyed by the ethnic groups that inhabited this place.

 

In 1687, the Jesuit missionary Eusebio Francisco Kino settled down in the same place to establish a successful mission again. Father Kino -as he is popularly known- lived until his last days in Santa María Magdalena so his relics can be visited in this Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) that, in 1966, changed its name to Magdalena de Kino.