MICHOACÁN HAVE YOU EVER VISIT MICHOACAN? DO YOU THINK KNOW ALL ABOUT MICHOACAN? IF YOU GO TO MICHOACAN, WHICH PLACE COULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT? Michoacán, is one of the thirty-one countries that together with city of Mexico form the United Mexican States. Its capital and its most populous city is Morelia. Its Located in the western region of the country. With 4 584 471 inhabitants in 2015 is the 8th state most populous, behind the State of Mexico, Veracruz, Jalisco, Puebla, Guanajuato, Chiapas and Nuevo Leon. It was founded in December 22 in 1823. It is divided in 113 municipalities. Is capital is the Morelia city, formerly called “Valladolid”, which bears its current name in honor of José María Morelos y Pavón, Hero of the independence of México. The history of Michoacán, it has been studied by archaeological vestiges and other historical resources, such as the literary work of Michoacán, written in 1542, and it is known that the first settlers of the sate were several Chichimecas tribes that arrived in different years, and therefore evolved in a different way. Much of Michoacan´s territory was inhabited by the Purépecha that developed as a dominant culture and imposed its economic, religious, military and cultural hegem ony on the other ethnicities that also inhabited the region, such as the Nahua, Otomí, Matlatzincas or Pirindas and Tecos. In the region, one spoke besides the language Tarascan or Purépecha, the languages Coacomeca, Xilotlazinca, Colimo, Pirinda, Mazahua, Sayulteco, Nahuatl and teak. At present, the native inhabitants of these lands are given the same name as their language: Purhépecha, althought they are also known as Tarascan. PLACES There are many beautiful places that we could visit in Michoacán like: 1.- The arrival of the Monarch butterfly. Monarch butterflies spend the winter in these forest living in colonies of up to twenty million. They arrive in Mexico after traveling more than 3,000 miles from the border between the United States and Canada. The drastic decrease in temperatures each October causes them to fly to warmer latitudes. During their long journey, the butterflies take advantage of air currents, only flapping their wings when the wind slows or changes direction. Using this flight technique, they are able to travel about 75 miles per day. The Monarch butterflies arrive in Michoacán in late October. By mid- February, they begin to mate. In early March, they lift off simultaneously flapping their wings in a thunderous clap and begin their journey home. 2.- Patzcuaro. Designated a Magic Town by the Mexican government, Patzcuaro has monumental churches, a spectacular central square, and beautiful buildings built of adobe and tile. In pre- Hispanic times, Patzcuaro was one of the main ceremonial center of the Purepechas, whose descendants still live in the region and maintain their traditions. The fisherman of Lake Patzcuaro are famous for using butterfly- shaped nets to catch the delicious white fish that is characteristic of Michoacán cuisine. The atmosphere in Patzcuaro will make you feel as if you´ve traveled back in time, while still enjoying all the comforts of modern life. It offers first-class entertainment, excellent cuisine, and a wide variety of tourist attractions, both architectural and natural, in the city and surrounding area. 3.- JANITZIO Located 20 minutes from the dock in Patzcuaro, Janitzio is a small island with a monument that stands 130 feet, tall and honors Don Jose María Morelos and Pavon. The community living on this beautiful island continues to practice their indigenous customs, among them the “Noche de Muertos”, which takes place in late October and early November. On these dates, they solemnly decorate the entire island and fisherman show up with their butterfly nets on boats illuminated with candles. 4.- Lake Zirahuen. According to legend, “Princess Zirahuen cried so much that it formed the lake”. Located about 30 minutes from Patzcuaro, this lake is smaller than Lake Patzcuaro, less crowded, and therefore more peaceful and serene, making it a great place to get in touch with nature. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and can be crossed by kayak or by renting a boat. A place of dreams, legends, and tradition, Lake Zirahuen offers the possibility to dine at one of its quaint restaurants located in the surrounding hills, where in addition to delicious food, you can also enjoy spectacular views. 5.- Uruapan. Located about 60 miles form Morelia, you´ll find the second most important city in the stat of Michocan; Uruapan, also known as the “avocado capital of the world” since it´s a major international exporte of this fruit. Among the top attraction in Uruapan are magnificent historical monuments, parish chuches, and colonial cheapels. In various spots throughout Uruapan you can also find murals by importan artists from Michoacan. Due to its location in one of the most fertile regions of the state, Uruapan has numerous natural attraction that you can visit in the city and surrounding area. The Cupatitzio River flows throught Uruapan, and there is a nature park and designated National Heritage Site where you can see the source of this river, waterfalls, and other natural attractions. 6.- Zamora. Zamora is one of the major industrial cities in Michoacan. The offices of numerous companies doing business in the state are concentrated here, making it a popular destination for business travelers, executives, and representatives of the various companies. In addition to business and industry, Zamora offers a wide variety of natural and cultural attractions, restaurants is a major producers of strawberries, and it´s always possible to find this delicious fruit in the city. Zamora features one of the most architecturally stunning cathedrals in Mexico, which ironically, remains on the verge of completion. These are the most comun places that you can visit, but for me there are other places that you would visit if you go to Michoacan. Morelia. Morelia for me, it’s a beautiful city because there are a many activity like “Explore Morelia Tour”. You can choose between two tours to explore the cityps great architectural beauty:Viceregal Morelia and Modern Morelia. Viceregal Morelia: This tour includes a walking tour of the historic downtown area and visits to the Governor´s Palace, the Templo and Conservatorio de las Rosas the first convent of Dominican nuns; the Artisans House; and the Candy Museum. On the streetcar tour we´ll visit Las Tarascas fountain, the Santuario de Guadalupe, the Acueduct, Morelos Square, Villalongin Garden, The San Jose Temple, The Culture House, Clavijero Palace, Colegio San Nicolas, and the Municipal Palace. Los Azufres, Michoacán In this place you can do many activities with your family and your friends, because it is ideal for rest, contact with nature and family recreation. There are many different places with therma water pools, you can choose your favorite. In my opinion, Michoacan is a beautiful state and it is rich in a many points. Its inhabitants are social, fun and good persons. If you would like to found or visit a place to rest and spend time with your family or your friends, Michoacan it’s a great decision. CUESTIONS WHICH PLACE IN MICHOACAN, YOU COULD LIKE TO VISIT AND WHY? DO YOU COULD PREFER OTHER PLACE TO SPEND TIME WITH YOU FAMILY OR YOUR FRIENDS AND WHY? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF MICHOACAN AND WHY?
