Uruapan

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Uruapan is a city and municipality in the west-central part of the Mexican state of Michoacán. The city is the municipal seat of the municipality. The town and surroundings are world famous, in part because of the great quantity of avocado farming and packaging, exported in large parts to the United States and other countries.

Uruapan is one of the oldest cities in Mexico. Its main natural attraction is the Cupatitzio River (dubbed "the river that sings"), because along its flow are tourist attractions.  Paricutín volcano emerged in the vicinity in 1943, scaring away much of the population. The city and the municipality are both the second-largest in the state, behind only the state capital of Morelia.

Uruapan is served by Uruapan International Airport. Uruapan has a sister city: Culver City, the street where National Park is has that name (Culver City Street); also, the firefighters of Uruapan received a few years ago personal equipment and vehicles from Culver City and Kansas City Fire Department to do a better job.

The region is well known for it's agriculture - particularly the production of the finest avocados in the country. There are also extensive orchards of oranges and grapefruit in the Nueva Italia area to the south along Highway 37, and travelers on that route can often come across citrus stands on the side of the highway where sackfuls of these fruits can be purchased at very reasonable cost.

La Huatápera

This structure, typical of colonial architecture of the area and situated on the square next to the Ex-Convent of San Francisco, was also founded by Fray Juan de San Miguel as a hospital, built in 1533 by Fray Juan de San Miguel, a Franciscan.. Today it houses the Museum of Popular Art. open daily from 9:30am to 1:30pm and 3:30 to 6pm. Admission is free.

LA CAPILLA DE LA MAGDALENA - Chapel of the Magdalene.

Built in the latter third of the 16th Century, in this Chapel are displayed a large 18th Century painting illustrating scenes from purgatory and the image of Saint Nicholas.

Telares Uruapan

For the finest in foot-loomed, brilliantly colored tablecloths, napkins, and other textiles, take a taxi to Telares Uruapan (tel. 452/524-0677 or -6135), in the Antigua Fábrica de San Pedro, Calle Miguel Treviño s/n. Call ahead, and the English-speaking owners may be able to give you a tour of the factory.

The National Park Eduardo Ruiz is home of "La Rodilla del Diablo", the source of the river which courses through the city and out toward "La Tzaráracua" and "La Tzararacuita", waterfalls on the southern outskirts of the city, and flows into the Presa Infernillo and eventually the Pacific Ocean.

SIGHTS

HOTELS

Hotel Mansion del Cupatitzio - Calz. Fray Juan de San Miguel (Parque Eduardo Ruiz) - (4) 523-2100

The best hotel in town is the Hotel Cupatitzio (tel. 452/523-2022), next to the national park. It has plenty of amenities, including a good restaurant, a large pool, and a lovely garden. Last year, a room for two people costs $100.

Hotel Plaza Uruapan - Ocampo 64, Centro (on the square) - Tel (4) 523-3599 Fax 523-3980

International Callers: 011 (52) (452) 523 3599 or  011 (52) (452) 523 3488

Toll Free in Mexico

01 800 420 0200

01 800 234 1900

Directly in front of Uruapan, Michoacan's main plaza you can find 122 luxurious rooms with the following characteristics: • 29" television, DVD, Security safe, Wireless Internet, Coffee maker, Movie rental, Hair dryer.

Mi Solar Bed and Breakfast – Delgado #10  Recently opened and the best hotel in town at around $75

Hotel Villa de Flores - Emiliano Carranza 15. Tel 452/524-2800;

Nuevo Hotel Alameda - 5 de Febrero 11. Tel 452/523-3635   slightly less desirable, slightly cheaper

The largest Art Fair in the state of Michoacan takes place in Uruapan in the Main Central Plaza the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. It starts (every year) the saturday before Domingo de Ramos.  The Fair offers a variety of artisan crafts, not just from Michoacan but from neighboring states.

The Tianguis Artesanal Domingo de Ramos 2011 in Uruapan officially starts on April 17 (Palm Sunday) and ends on May 1. In 2010, there were Michoacán 1200 artists and more than 70 thousand visitors.

The judging concurso (contest) is always on Palm Sunday. Once the judging is finished, all of the judged items are offered for sale to the public.

The Parade of Villages is the opening of the  El Tianguis de Domingo de Ramos

Uruapan, Michoacán

For folk art lovers in Mexico, few dates are as anticipated as Palm Sunday in Uruapan, Michoacán. "El Tianguis de Domingo de Ramos" (the Palm Sunday Market) is a true celebration of folk art and indigenous culture in all its many forms. Although many consider the folk art "concurso" (the juried folk art contest) the highlight of the weekend, the Parade of Villages is not to be missed!

Annually, on the Saturday preceding Palm Sunday, this joyous parade proudly marches into Uruapan’s central plaza. The "Concurso de Traje Regional" (the contest for regional costumes held during the Palm Sunday market) celebrates its 25th anniversary in April 2006. The indigenous dress (and customs) of central Michoacán are derived from four main ethnic groups: Mazahua, Nahuatl, Otomí, and Purépecha, resulting in a great variety of styles. The costumes are distinguished by their decorations, the dyes and colors used, and by intended occasion (such as a special wedding dress)—and in years past, villagers could easily determine from where another villager came by their manner of dress. The concurso of costumes will not only award prizes for elaborate examples, but also emphasizes and awards prizes for the most-traditional and humble costumes. It is this rich costume heritage that is revived and celebrated in the glorious Parade of Villages.

All parades require rehearsal and organization, and this one is no different. The costumed participants gather at the entrance of the Lic. Eduardo Ruiz National Park and begin getting into formation. As host city, Uruapan will lead the parade. But as to who comes second, third, or fourth in order seems to change with the arrival of each costumed group. Lining up for the parade takes easily more than an hour providing ample time for the band to warm up…and to practice village dance moves!

Fabrica San Pedro

Several blocks from the Plaza is the Fabrica San Pedro, a textile factory built in the late 19th century, with one of the largest water-powered mills in the region.   Americans Walter and Bundy Illsley, long-time residents, bought the mill in the late eighties.  Telares Uruapan, still produces hand-loomed natural fibers in traditional local as well as custom designs for export all over the world.  Open every day except Sunday.