Santa Clara del Cobre
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◈ Lovely, welcoming, and nestled in the woods, Santa Clara is, nevertheless, known for its handicrafts. It is the heart of Michoacán’s exquisite culture of craftwork.
Foto Portada: Victor Martínez
Foto: Brenda Islas
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◆ Shop for handicrafts in one of the workshops or shops.
◆ Admire the town’s churches, especially the old Huatápera
◆ Kayak on Lago de Zirahuén.
Visit the Museo Nacional del Cobre and its prize-winning pieces and demo workshop.
❖ Museo Nacional del Cobre
Check out the copper pieces on display that illustrate the origins, processes, and new techniques employed in the Purépecha’s traditional handicraft work.
The exhibits in the Museo Nacional del Cobre range from the first creations by Purépechan artisans, to the hammered copper objects that have won awards in national fairs. A number of pre-Hispanic pieces are also on display in this museum close to the main square.
The museum has a workshop where you can see how the artisans shape copper.
❖ Plaza Principal
Check out the emblematic buildings downtown. Some incorporate copper details in their designs.
With its copper-roofed gazebo and encircled by a loggia filled with shops, the Plaza Principal, or main square, is lovely. In the background are the town’s three churches: Nuestra Señora del Sagrario, with its striking copper chandeliers; the Inmaculada Concepción, dating from the colonial period, and the old Huatápera chapel with images of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi.
❖ Biblioteca
José Rubén Romero
The house currently occupied by Biblioteca Municipal José Rubén Romero is where the author of the novel La vida inútil de Pito Pérez was born. For this reason, this library is named after the writer. Explore the main room, reference room, and kids’ section.
❖ Play Sports on Lago Zirahuén
The scenery around Lago de Zirahuén is some of the country’s most beautiful. The lake sits 9 miles from the town of Santa Clara del Cobre and is surrounded by woods and a small town with restaurants and docks. Plus, there are hotels, cabins, and recreational centers where you can fish, kayak, and whiz down a zip line.
Where
To reach Zirahuén, take road number 14 running from Morelia to Uruapan. Pass Pátzcuaro, and turn left when you get to the town of Ajuno. It is just a few minutes further.
❖ Visit a Handicraft Workshop
From the time you arrive in this picturesque town, the street lights and benches indicate the leading role of copper here. And it is even clearer when you enter the workshops that smelt, then cut, and finally hammer the red-hot copper into the desired shape and engrave it with the marvelous figures that set it apart.
This process is used to create pitchers, plates, ashtrays, and vases in a whole range of sizes. There are workshops and shops on every street where you can stop and watch, then pick out a copper memento to take home.
❖ Savor Michoacán’s Gastronomy
You can’t leave without trying Michoacán’s famous cuisine. Dishes include steamed pyramids of corn dough called corundas, roasted mutton, mutton stew, and crispy pork carnitas estilo Uruapan. All these are easy to find in the area’s restaurants.
For supper, take a walk around the plaza and enjoy the unique tostada sandwiches stuffed with pork, beans, cabbage, red salsa, and even a crispy tostada. Or, dig into a dish of Tarascan soup made with beans and tomatoes.
Foto: Arturo Peña Romano Medina
❖ Feria Nacional del Cobre
The national copper fair kicks off on August 2, when metalsmiths and other townspeople carry out a pilgrimage to the church in honor of their patron saint, Saint Clare of Assisi, from Italy.
She is worshiped on the 11th and 12th. In addition, there are fairs, traditional dances, parades, and fireworks. On August 15th, it is Nuestra Señora del Sagrario’s turn, together with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The Concurso Nacional de Cobre Martillado also takes place during these weeks, celebrating all things hammered copper. Artisans exhibit their work and are awarded for their talent.
The fair pays tribute to the exquisite work of the craftspeople who have won worldwide recognition for the Magical Town. Events include the Concurso Nacional de Cobre Martillado competition, hammering demonstrations, exhibits, and the sale of copper handicrafts.
When: August 2 to 17
Magical Towns in
Michoacán
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