Zacatecas is positioning itself as one of the most comprehensive cultural destinations in north-central Mexico. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of great artists, and boasting a vibrant cultural scene year-round, the state is committed to authenticity, tradition, and a direct connection with the soul of Mexico. Its Secretary of Tourism, Le Roy Barragán, guides us through the offerings presented at FITUR.
Zacatecas is one of Mexico’s ten World Heritage cities, a distinction earned through its impressive architectural, artistic, and cultural legacy. Its mining origins attracted great fortunes, leading to the construction of estates and buildings of immense value. Today, it is the city with the most cultural festivals per year in Mexico, and its Holy Week celebrations host one of the most important artistic gatherings on the continent. Furthermore, it is home to unique museums with works by Miró, Goya, and Dalí, donated by renowned Mexican artists such as the Coronel brothers. It is a vibrant, romantic city with an endless array of events.
Beyond our historical legacy, we offer unique experiences: from destination weddings at old haciendas or vineyards, to visits to magical towns with colonial-era convents where original murals painted on-site are still preserved. And all of this can be explored without a car: in Zacatecas, everything is close by, easily accessible on foot from the city center. After the pandemic, that’s key: sustainable, local tourism, without overcrowding, with options for every budget.
The Holy Week Cultural Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, with more than 300 high-quality art, theater, music, and dance activities. We also celebrate the Day of the Dead with massive parades and a guest state each year. We have jazz, folk, wine, and light festivals… and throughout the year, we offer traditional callejoneadas (street parties) with tambora music and mezcal, a unique tradition. Every week, from Wednesday to Sunday, hundreds of people stroll through the alleyways dancing and celebrating life. We even launched the first callejoneada for singles, which was an unexpected success.
Our cuisine is original and authentic. Dishes like asado de boda (wedding stew) or caldo de res (beef broth)—a fusion of Spanish and Mexican cuisine—can only be found here. And we are growing as a wine region thanks to our high-altitude vineyards. More and more Zacatecas wine labels are winning awards and gaining prestige. We combine this tradition with new wine tourism offerings, perfect for those seeking sophisticated and local experiences.
Our biggest challenge is maintaining a consistent calendar of festivals so that tourists always have a reason to visit. We want at least one major event every month. And we are achieving it: we close the year with a light festival in December that already attracts visitors from the US and all over Mexico. With these initiatives, we seek to consolidate Zacatecas as a leading cultural destination, without losing its essence.
Source: expreso.info
