Calvillo
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◈ The smell of guava seems to permeate the town of Calvillo. From the time you set off on a stroll downtown, you will feel the charm of its tree-lined park and the solemn presence of the massive Parroquia del Señor del Salitre church. As you roam, you will be enchanted by its legends, the flavor of its cheeses, the shapely candles, and the delicate embroidery work. Nature generously bestowed the area with streams, waterfalls, and rugged natural countryside that make you want to take a walk and soak up the clean, fresh air. After a restorative night tucked away in a cabin, you will awake with a new understanding of Calvillo’s alluring charm.
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◈ Go to Frutland and try at least 5 kinds of guava candy.
◈ Snap pictures of Parroquia del Señor del Salitre’s enormous dome.
◈ Spend the night in the Sierra Fría wilderness.
Kayak around Presa de Malpaso and grab a bite to eat in one of its restaurants.
❖ Parroquia del
Señor del Salitre
This is the town’s main church, inaugurated at the beginning of the 19th century. It possesses three naves and is dedicated to the miraculous Señor del Salitre. It is said that this image of the Lord appeared here to a few elderly people before the city was founded. Later on, it survived mistreatment by soldiers during the Cristera War. The church has one of the largest and most beautiful domes in Latin America, adorned with frescos of the life of Saint Joseph.
❖ Calvillo’s Main Square
The Main Square is a peaceful, pleasant space with a gazebo, benches, palm trees, and a couple fountains. It is surrounded by 19th-century structures, including the pink limestone Casa de la Cultura cultural center; the Parián building, whose graceful archway holds several businesses; and the Hemiciclo a los Héroes de la Independencia monument. Don’t miss your chance to take a ride on Guayequito, a trolley that will show you around town.
❖ Santuario de
la Virgen de Guadalupe
Erected on the slopes of a large hill in the middle of the last century, the Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe faces towards the plaza. The church’s striking and beautiful facade is made of limestone and has two towers, echoing European gothic cathedrals. Inside, the gold-leafed altarpiece is well-worth a closer look, as well as the image of the patron saint and the frescoes on its walls.
❖ Sample the Flavors of Calvillo
Try guava treats, homemade ice cream, and traditional chamuco sweet rolls, and beef birria stew. Take your appetite to Mercado Gastronómico Artesanal and devour some crispy meat carnitas tacos, or head to La Herradura for some tender pork tacos.
❖ Discover Pulled Thread Needleworkers
Deshilado, or pulled thread work, is a cherished tradition in Calvillo. Inspired by ancient Venetian drawn thread embroidery, but with a local touch, this craft continues to flourish in our times. If you visit Calvillo, you will surely find a craftsperson embroidering in the doorway to her house. It is a popular activity among local women, and they hand it down from generation to generation.
Your best chance to take a piece home is in Andador Centenario, La Labor, and La Panadera. In these places you can find not only pulled thread work, but jewelry crafted from seeds and agates, an enormous range of traditional candies, and other types of embroidery work.
❖Water Sports on the Reservoirs
La Presa de Malpaso es el mejor lugar para practicar esquí, kayak o pesca, e incluso explorar el cañón de La Boquilla; también podrás caminar entre nogueras y naranjos y hospedarte en sus cabañas. En la Presa La Codorniz encontrarás restaurantes, palapas y venta de artesanías; si te gusta pescar, en sus aguas hay trucha, lobina y bagre.
❖ Feria Nacional de la Guayaba
Calvillo claims to be the country’s second-largest guava producer. The Feria Nacional de la Guayaba is held in December to celebrate the earth’s bounty and the producers of this delicious fruit.
This fair dedicated to guava fruit offers food tastings and cultural activities such as concerts, traditional dances, and displays of local handicrafts.
❖ Festival de Calaveras,
Mole y Pan de Muerto
From October 31st to November 3rd, Calvillo’s main downtown streets host a series of expos featuring guava delicacies, rich mole sauces, the traditional bread prepared for Day of the Dead, and pulled thread handicrafts. Elegant, skeletal catrina figures parade, and musicians abound during this celebration.
