Nochistlán de Mejía: Zacatecas' Most Musical Pueblo Mágico

Nochistlán de Mejía, in the south of the state of Zacatecas, claims to be the most musical Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) in the whole country, here everyone dances to the rhythm of mariachi, Tambora band, son and jarabe, regardless of the time of day.

 

El Jardin Morelos (Morelos Garden) is the best place to enjoy the musical festivities that have taken root since 1850. But it also has another interesting fact, here was founded the first city of Guadalajara in 1532, which later would be moved to the state of Jalisco due to the rebellion of its natives.

 

Returning to the garden, we should not forget the sculpture of Francisco Tenamaxtle, who was a Caxcan warrior who led the War of the Mixton where several Chichimeca tribes fought against the Spanish conquerors in the mid 16th century and Nochistlán was the main scenario of the conflict. Tenamaxtle is considered a precursor of indigenous human rights.

 

Another attraction for travelers arriving at El Pueblo Mágico de Nochistlán is its colonial quarry architecture. Proof of this is the Parián and its half-hundred arches that are part of the historic center. In the past, this area was a marketplace to sell silks, shoes, spices, jewelry, and other products from Asia and Europe, between the 17th and 19th centuries.

 

Under those arches is La Palestina, an old grocery store that still operates, as well as the Municipal Market to buy crystallized fruits, carafe water ice, and handicrafts: Nochistlán is recognized for its saddlery works, mainly hats and belts.

 

Like every Mexican destination, the center will always be crowned by a religious temple. Nochistlán de Mejía has the Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís (Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church), the town's patron saint. The whole body is carved in quarry and was built in the 17th century. Inside you can appreciate its mesquite wood floors and the urn of the priest and martyr San Roman Adame Rosales shot during the Cristera War, whose remains rest in the temple.

 

And if we go back to 1810, near the temple is La Casa de los Ruiz, where the first call for Mexican Independence was made on October 8, 1810, by the Zacatecan insurgent Daniel Camarena.

 

Nochistlán is also famous for its more than 100 taquerias, which remain open almost all day. Thus, when hunger strikes while visiting the tourist attractions of the Magical Town, there will always be a taco ready to eat.