San José de Gracia
Read more
Slide to the left to continue
◈ On the shores of Presa Plutarco Elías Calles, this small town comes together around its faith, as seen by its colossal Christ monument. One visit to the sanctuary is enough to understand its power. Chatting with the skipper on the boat ride to the monument or any one of the locals will pique your curiosity to learn more about the Cristo Roto that overlooks the town from an island in the reservoir. Its natural surroundings will entice you to explore Boca de Túnel and experience nature up close and personal.
.
.
- Do the circuit of hanging bridges in Boca de Túnel.
- Witness the devotion of the pilgrims visiting the Cristo Roto
- Spend the night in cabins overlooking the rugged canyon.
Go through the almost mile-long tunnel in Boca de Túnel.
❖ Cristo Roto
This broken Christ is one of the largest sculptures in Mexico.
This colossal Cristo Roto is one of the largest monuments in Mexico. Its broken limbs—it is missing an arm and a leg, nor is it mounted on a cross—remind us that this sanctuary is dedicated to the sick, the poor, and those in need. To see it, first get a boat ride across the reservoir from the dock.
❖ Handicraft Market
This market is just the spot to see traditional crafts, candies, and even food.
You will find ceramics, Cristo Roto figurines, and cloth creations in the local handicraft market. Some of the area’s families have workshops crafting objects for the sport of charrería, a cousin of rodeo. Just ask around near the Main Square.
❖ Main Square
Of course, the Plaza Principal is best spot to get a feel for this Magical Town. Take a look, and see the town hall, a two-floor gazebo, and an open-air esplanade. Take a seat and soak up the mellow pace of life.
❖ Sample the Dishes of
San José de Gracia
Traditional, delicious dishes await in the kitchens of this town.
Taste the pacholas (a kind of ground beef patty with chili peppers and spices) and jellied quince. The dock on the reservoir has plenty of food stands that feed pilgrims visiting the famous Cristo Roto monument.
❖ Explore Boca de Túnel Canyon
The gateway to the woods of the Sierra Fría nature reserve, this is the perfect place to mountain bike.
Boca de Túnel is tucked into a semi desert canyon north of town. Its adventure center offers mountain biking, walks across any of its 13 hanging bridges, and slides down any of the two 295- and 394-foot long zip lines. You can also rappel and hike. Or, visit the Presa de Potrerillo dam, which plunges almost 100 feet, and take a ride on a boat or horse. There is an area for eating and several ecotourism cabins.
❖ Taste Hacienda San Luis de Letras’ Wines
11 miles to the east of San José de Gracia is Vinícola Hacienda de Letras, in the town of San Luis de Letras. In this winery’s laid-back atmosphere, visit the vineyard, the cellar, and wine-making area. And of course, enjoy tasting their artisanal wines. The boutique sells all their wines, cheeses, breads, and souvenirs.
❖ Día de San Juan
Desde hace muchos años, el 24 de junio es una fecha especial para los que viven en San José de Gracia; pues tiene la creencia que solo ese día el agua de la presa Plutarco Elías Calles está bendita. Por tal motivo, se congregan ahí para tomar un baño y hacer una misa en honor al santo patrono del Pueblo Mágico.
❖ Ofrenda de luz al Cristo Roto
Desde el 31 de octubre hay diversas actividades en torno al Día de Muertos, como puesta de altares, concursos de disfraces y eventos culturales.
El 1ro de noviembre la gente se congrega para iniciar una especie de procesión a la presa Elías Calles, con el fin de recordar a sus difuntos; por eso llevan velas encendidas para iluminar el camino; el destino es el Cristo Roto donde colocan sus velas en el agua y dedican bellos pensamientos a sus muertos.
❖ Cabalgata ruta de la Independencia
En los últimos días de enero o primeros de febrero durante todo un fin de semana se llevan a cabo diferentes celebraciones para conmemorar un año más del paso del padre de la patria don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla por el municipio.
Dentro de las principales actividades se lleva a cabo una cabalgata que comienza en el vecino municipio de Calvillo, pasa por territorio de San José de Gracia y termina en la hacienda de San Blas de Pabellón, a donde se dirigió el cura Hidalgo después de pasar por este municipio.
Otras festividades
❖ Feria Regional del Maíz
❖ Festividad Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción
❖ Semana Santa
❖ Conmemoración del Santuario del Cristo Roto
❖ Festividad Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción
