Parras
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◈ There are many reasons to visit Parras: its walnut trees, its ancient architecture, its history in the northern deserts, or its role as the cradle of New World wines. But beyond all this, there can be incredible street-to-street charm.
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◆ Vineyards with an ancient tradition and exquisite wines. Especially Casa Madero, which has more than 400 years of history and multiple awards.
◆ Cool off in the beautiful Pond of Light.
◆ Contemplate the spectacle that the Cueva de los Bats offers at sunset.
◆ Cross the Lima Canyon, an unmissable adventure.
◆ Visit the Churches of Parras and learn about their spirituality
◆ Enjoy its architecture in the Municipal Palace
◆ Learn about the history of Francisco I. Madero, hero of the Mexican Revolution.
◆ Stroll through the Plaza del Reloj and its revolutionary history and walk through the Plaza del Beso, which has romantic traditions.
During Holy Week, the Balloon Festival of Cantoya de Parras is held, and in August “Fiesta de la Vendimia”
❖ Alameda 20 de Noviembre and
the Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe
Three blocks north of the Plaza de Armas is the Alameda 20 de Noviembre, and three blocks west of there, is the Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe, from the Viceroyalty era. This is a simple building with a neoclassical look, but inside it houses beautiful altarpieces and several notable Viceroyalty oil paintings, some of which are by the Mexican painter Antonio de Torres.
It also houses mementos that once belonged to Evaristo Madero (who was born in Río Grande, Coahuila and Texas, but lived and worked for a great part of his life here in Parras), as well as others belonging to Francisco I. Madero.
This is where the Hacienda del Rosario was. As the years went by, the hacienda became fragmented, and now its houses and territories are scattered throughout the town.
❖ Agrícola Santo Madero
A territory of good vineyards. About 25 kilometers east of Parras, in the middle of the desert, some walnut trees appear and after this landscape this wine project
❖ Antigua Hacienda de Perote
On the western corner of Parras is this house that produces wines and liquors, since the mid-19th century. Originally it formed a part of the areas’ large Viceroyalty haciendas.
Although Perote has a small shop in the center, a visit to the winery makes for an interesting experience. The small vineyard on one side and the walnut tree plantations create a very beautiful countryside setting.
Next to the shop –the point at which all visitors tend to arrive– are the wine cellars with the old carrels, tanks, and bottling and labelling lines.
Outside there is a huge basin that collects spring water. And part of the same group of buildings, you’ll find the hotel and restaurant. Amongst wineries, Perote is a pioneer in providing accommodation since 2003.
Unmissable during the migration season is a visit to the caves to observe the exit of hundreds of bats.
❖ Climb Up to the
Capilla del Santo Madero
and Enjoy the View
South of the town, you will find this hill that is home to this chapel, the Capilla del Santo Madero.
Just over half a mile in a straight line, southeast of the Plaza de Armas, and close to the Estanque de la Luz, you can see the Cerro del Sombreretillo.
A spiraling trail around 1640-foot-long will lead you to the top where you will find the Capilla de la Santísima Cruz, also known as the Capilla del Santo Madero.
El Santo Madero is a very old cross, which has been worshipped for centuries. It used to be exposed to the elements, but the wind knocked it over several times, so the people of Parras cooperated to build a formal chapel.
Work commenced in 1868 and it was complete two years later. From the top of the hill, the view of Parras is spectacular, you can see its farms and the mountains that surround them.
❖ Delve into an Underground Cave
Explore Coahuila territory underground, through this subterranean river called El Fuque, located in Parras.
If you love speleology then head to El Fuque, a striking, dark, and very deep subterranean river that supplies the bodies of water within Parras.
It’s an exciting tour beneath the ground of Coahuila, along a 1640-foot-long subterranean channel through which water flows.
❖ Take Photos in
the Estanque de La Luz
A cozy public water park whose spring water makes for a delightful treat during the hot summer days in Parras.
The Estanque de la Luz (Pond of Light) is just over half a mile from the Plaza de Armas, and it is without doubt the most photographed place in Parras. (The image of the pond and the Santo Madero chapel in the background is a classic).
This is a pool of water around 230-foot-long by 230-foot-wide, and about 10 foot deep. It was built in the 19th century and its water originates from a spring.
The story goes that the businessman and politician, Evaristo Madero, grandfather of the president Francisco I. Madero, invited the inventor from the United States, Thomas Alva Edison, to run experiments with the electric lightbulb.
In return, Edison helped Don Evaristo Madero to install a hydroelectric turbine here, presumably fed by water from the pond, which provided Parras with electricity ever since the 19th century.
This story backs up the version of the people of Parras, who say that their town was the first place in Mexico to have electricity.
Today, the Estanque de la Luz is a public pool, which during the summer months is very refreshing. Next to it you will find palm roof gazebos, barbecues, a children’s playpark, and paddling pools. And since it’s so big, they even rent out boats during the holiday seasons.
❖ Parras Grape Harvest
In August, Parras gets ready to celebrate! Come join them at the grape harvest!
During the month of August, the Grape Harvest Festival is celebrated in different vineyards around Parras. This festival reaffirms the wine tradition and pays homage to Valle de Parras.
In various wineries, such as Don Leo, Rivero González, Las Pudencianas, Antiguas Bodegas de Perote and Casa Madero, there are pairings and grape treading.
