Paracho
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◈ Located in the heart of the Tarascan Plateau, Paracho de Verduzco is one of those towns that is firmly rooted in its past. Walking through its streets means hearing violins become pirekuas; seeing wood turn into guitars; and savoring traditional cuisine in the form of uchepos (sweet, steamed corn dough), corundas (the local version of tamales), or aromatic atapakua stew. Additionally, being surrounded by forests lets it offer quiet spots tucked along paths to enjoy with others.
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◆ Try ecotourism activities in the natural surroundings.
◆ Taste traditional dishes.
◆ Take part in the Festival Internacional de Guitarra.
◆ Visit one of its community chapels and learn about the craft work done in neighboring towns.
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Visit any luthier’s workshop and learn about how stringed instruments are made. Then, take one home with you.
❖ Casa de Cultura y
Museo Club de Lauderos
The history of this cultural center began in 1929 when, by the decree of General Lázaro Cárdenas who was then president of Mexico, this place was built as a boarding school for indigenous children where they were taught trades, art, Spanish, and sports.
Today, it continues to educate as a center for the arts, putting on exhibitions, presentations, and art and handicraft workshops. Paracho’s most important places come together here: Museo Club Lauderos A.C. (museum run by stringed instrument makers), the Archivo Fotográfico de Paracho (Paracho’s photography archive), Taller de Juguete Popular (folk toy workshop), Sala de Conciertos Jesús Valerio Sosa (concert hall), and Biblioteca Pública Eduardo Ruiz (public library).
It is also the setting for larger cultural and artistic events: Festival Internacional de Globos “Cantoya Fiesta y Color,” celebrated with lighted sky lanterns; Tianguis Artesanal de la Feria de la Guitarra, the artisan’s market during the international guitar fair; Concurso Estatal del Juguete Popular, the state folk toy contest; and the Concurso Nacional de Constructores de Guitarra, in which guitar makers from around the country compete, as well as expos showcasing the region’s culinary and artisanal skills. When entering this place, you can’t miss the Pueblo de Guitarras mural by Oaxacan artist Amaury.
❖ 16th-Century Community Chapels
The Tarascan Plateau is home to churches and chapels from the 16th century that were created by indigenous artists who turned their interpretations of sacred texts into gorgeous, colorful coffered ceilings.
Many of them are dedicated to Saint James, such as the ones in Charapan and Nurío. A tour of the religious architecture from the first part of the colonial period in the towns of Aranza, Ahuirán, Nurío, and Pomacuarán illustrates the combination of European architectural expertise with local knowledge of building materials to create these works of sacred art.
Zacán and Cocucho hold other chapels with great architectural value, but the chapel of Tupátaro deserves a special mention. Set in the Purépecha zone of the lake region, it is known far and wide as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas.
❖ Pirekuas
Pirekua is the traditional singing style of the Purépecha people of Michoacán, performed by men and women. In addition to being a rich form of expression in the Purépecha language, it conveys feelings and communicates the community’s important events, making it also an important form of social connection.
The lyrics speak of love and courting women, of the townspeople’s political views and social thought, and of the community’s religious beliefs.
In 2010, the UNESCO declared pirekua to be Intangible Cultural Heritage. The best way to hear this music is by attending any of the festivals organized in Paracho.
❖ Hike and Mountain Bike on Cerro Pelón Hill
Paracho is set in the middle of an extensive forested area filled with pines, oaks, and sacred fir trees, the region’s endemic species. It encompasses four ecological reserves that together cover 120 protected hectares. One of the most important ones is the Área Natural Protegida Cerro Pelón. Nature lovers and sports fans will be delighted by its long hiking and mountain biking trails as well as the areas for family fun and campgrounds.
❖ Check Out the Artisans’ Workshops and Browse the Handicraft Market
Unique pieces are made with love in the area’s communities. Ahuirán and its violins, rebozo shawls, and wood carvings; Aranza has its yuccas, toys, and patakua textiles; Cheranástico is known for its cross-stitching; and Pomacuarán boasts its drawn threadwork.
Throughout the year, the Instituto del Artesano puts on several handicraft contests. To see local creations, you can visit the artisans’ workshops and chat with the makers, or just walk down the Andador Artesanal pedestrian mall. Pick out a special memento to take home so you’ll always remind this Magical Town.
❖ Explore Nature
The mountainous region around Paracho offers splendid spaces for enjoying nature. There are the parks—Parque Comunal Tata Vasco and Cerro Pelón—and the monumental hills of Cumben, Paracho Viejo, and Taretzuruán.
All of them are great places to commune with nature. You can try hiking, mountain biking, camping, wildlife watching, and hunting. Whether you go as a family or with friends, everyone who wants to get away from the din of the city will find a great alternative that lets them breathe the pure air and see awe-inspiring skies.
❖ Festival Internacional
de Globos Cantoya,
Fiesta y Color
Paracho awaits July to see its blue skies filled with colors when sky lanterns, created by its artisans for over 100 years, are lit and float up into the air.
❖ Feria Nacional de la Guitarra
For almost 50 years during the first week of August, this guitar fair has promoted Paracho’s artistic and cultural treasures. It is a chance to learn about the local craft and a great time to take something home with you.
Along with the festival are other cultural activities such as the Concurso Nacional de Constructores e Intérpretes de Guitarra and the Concurso Nacional del Juguete Popular. In the former, guitarists and guitar makers compete, and the latter is a contest of folk toys. Musicians from Mexico and beyond take part in the fair.
Magical Towns in
Michoacán
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