Mier, Tamaulipas: 250-Year-Old Oasis of History and Culture

Northern Tamaulipas, in the middle of the desert, there is an oasis that was the star in 19th-century fierce struggle between Mexico and the United States for Texas independence. It’s the Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Mier, the border strip’s most ancient town, which shelters battles’ countless stories and buildings of lime and stone that survive despite being more than 250 years old.

Mier beginnings date back to March 6, 1753, when the Franciscans arrived for erecting the Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción (Parish of the Immaculate Conception). Today, it's the city's oldest building, preserved practically intact on the main square, called Juárez. From here you can perceive the Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) peaceful atmosphere, maybe because the Álamo River runs a few meters away and cobbled streets emerge where artisans can be seen working tanned leather, molding colored clay and embroidering beads, paillettes and glass pieces on bedspreads and the famous wedding dresses.

Playing “lotería” is a Mier’s must-see tourist attraction. You don’t have to buy lottery tickets, but reliving the board game consisting in filling a “tabla” (board) while figures expressed in cards are “sung” (something like bingo, but with images instead of numbers). In Mier, “lotería” is hand-painted by local artists and each board has 75 grids.

In the afternoons, dozens of families go to the Plaza Hidalgo, where they’re seen on the benches ready to listen to the very peculiar card-singing, since each figure is associated either with a song verse or a daily life description.

Near this square there are other historical sites to visit such as the Casa de los Frijoles Pintos, a former jail for Texas prisoners; the Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture) with Eleazar García “Chelelo” accessories, a famous native of the place film actor, and the Casa de las Columnas (House of Columns), named so for its six arches corridor and a curious undulating cornice.

Being crossed by three rivers, Álamo, Bravo and San Juan, each regulated by a dam, the Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Mier offers fun in the water. You can go sport fishing, kayaking or dipping in sulphurous waters. On the banks there are camping areas for stargazing at night and trails have been laid out to be explored on foot or by mountain bike, while birdwatching.

The best way to get to the Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Mier is through the Reynosa airport. Then you have to make a two hours bus travel.