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➢ Enjoy Mágico Calvillo
Do you fancy something sweet, aromatic and tasty?
Do you fancy something sweet, aromatic and tasty? The capital, Mundial de la Guayaba (capital of the guava world) meets the expectations of those with a sweet tooth, but also of people who appreciate the picturesque charm of a colorful Pueblo Mágico (magical city) and the careful handwork of the craftsmen.
The fertile Valle de Huejúcar (Huejúcar Valley), which used to be characterized by a good number of pastures, as the name suggests, was the place where Creoles, Spaniards, mestizos and also French settled and their farms were established for agriculture dedicate.
IIt was in 1771 when José Calvillo, owner of Hacienda San Nicolás, decided to donate the land needed to found the city of San José de Huejúcar to the Ojocaliente community. Years later, in 1848, the name of the village was changed to Calvillo in honor of its benefactor and was given the Villa (town) category.
The production of guava plantations became the main staple of the community and continues to this day as the region is the largest producer of this fruit in the country. Hence, if you are in the mood for guava paste, jam, and all kinds of sweets made from guava fruit, Calvillo is the best place to go.
Located 52 kilometers from the city of Aguascalientes, Pueblo Mágico de Calvillo (Magical City of Calvillo) is also the cradle of fraying, a beautiful type of embroidery that removes certain threads from a fabric to create patterns and textures or monochromatic drawings . This is a tradition brought to these countries by European immigrants, but over time it acquired local nuances.
The production of guava plantations became the main staple of the community and continues to this day as the region is the largest producer of this fruit in the country. Hence, if you are in the mood for guava paste, jam, and all kinds of sweets made from guava fruit, Calvillo is the best place to go.
Located 52 kilometers from the city of Aguascalientes, Pueblo Mágico de Calvillo (Magical City of Calvillo) is also the cradle of fraying, a beautiful type of embroidery that removes certain threads from a fabric to create patterns and textures or monochromatic drawings . This is a tradition brought to these countries by European immigrants, but over time it acquired local nuances. These embroideries are highly valued because of the enormous amount of work and attention to detail that goes into each piece. A frayed scarf can cost a lot of money and be a delicate accessory that goes with a gala dress.
In addition, Calvillo has a charming historic center. From the main square, visitors can take various themed tours to explore the most colorful nooks and crannies and historical landmarks, or even take trips to the guava plantations, haciendas, or Malpaso Dam.
➢ Cathedral Basilica of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion
Admire the stunning architecture and religious artwork of the 18th-century Aguascalientes basilica in the heart of the central old town.
The pink stone and looming spiers of the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción make it one of the most distinctive landmarks in Aguascalientes. Visit the striking monument in Plaza de la Patria and discover the impressive paintings that hang under the vaulted ceilings. The diocese's episcopal see is an active place of worship, but everyone can enter and enjoy the serene beauty of the building.
Look for elements of the building from different periods of its construction. The cathedral was built on the site of two chapels at the beginning of the 17th century. Although construction of the basilica began in 1704, it was not completed until 1738. Admire the two matching towers with rounded levels, built separately in 1764 and 1946.
Bring your camera to photograph the exterior and zoom in on details engraved in the pink stone facade. Stretch your neck up to see reliefs of the Trinity and an archangel watching over the baroque style door.
Enter the huge arched portal to see the elegant interior. There are three adjacent domes on the ceiling, each lined with gilding, while floral motifs adorn the column tops and ornate chandeliers hang from the arches.
Visit the sacristy and admire paintings by Miguel Cabrera. His most famous work in the church is the Virgin of Guadalupe, which stands above the altar of the south aisle. Take some time to see the various works of art throughout the cathedral, including paintings by José de Alcíbar. There are also wooden organ pipes in the basilica.
➢Visit the National Museum of Death
Experience the macabre delights of a museum that explores and celebrates Mexican attitudes toward death through fascinating displays of cultural artifacts.
The National Museum of Death documents Mexico's bold and uncompromising relationship with death. Using collectibles like children's toys and photographic records, the museum examines how popular images of death have inspired and influenced the nation's culture. Don't let the dark name discourage you. This is a fun, informative, and colorful attraction that is suitable for all visitors.
The University of Aguascalientes opened the museum in 2007 after having inherited a large collection of objects related to death from the artist Octavio Bajonero Gil. Explore artwork by Gil, as well as an expanded collection donated by other artists and benefactors.
Track the history of attitudes towards death and the afterlife through chronological exhibits that begin in the pre-Hispanic era. The galleries display artwork from indigenous communities before tracing the changing responses to death after the arrival of Europeans. Follow the journey up to the present day in galleries showcasing modern interpretations of the sugar skull and explore the international fame of the Day of the Dead.
Examine images that depict every aspect of Mexico's relationship with death. Paintings by national artists range from dark and imperturbable to light-hearted and weird. Archaeological grave goods, exhibitions of colorful skulls and photographs of burial rites create a multifaceted approach to the topic.
Meet the characters known as calaveras, the famous skeletons of Mexican art. The museum's models and drawings depict these calaveras in numerous guises and depict some of the most famous iconographies associated with death.
The museum hosts changing exhibitions on various topics throughout the year. Browse through galleries devoted to different painters or learn about topics such as “Lotería”, the game that features unique images on each card.
➢ Jose Guadalupe Posada Museum
Inspect the iconic paintings and engravings of one of Mexico's most famous political artists, including his most famous creation, La Catrina.
The José Guadalupe Posada Museum is a celebration of the artist of the same name, considered by many to be the father of modern Mexican art. Learn about the satirist's importance and influence at a sprawling museum celebrating the great artist who used his platform to highlight social issues in Mexico. The museum is also home to work by other artists who dealt with subjects similar to Posada.
José Guadalupe Posada was born in 1852 at a time of famine. When he moved to Mexico City in 1888, he was hired to do illustrations for a publishing house. He quickly became famous for using calaveras, skeletal figures, to make political points. Examine his work in this atmospheric museum, founded in 1972 to recognize and demonstrate the artist's impact in Mexico.
Search the displays of original prints and engravings with Posadas Calaveras. The museum's collection consists of more than 3,000 works by Posada and several other artists. Each item on display is accompanied by information about the work.
Don't miss the engraving of La Catrina, one of Posada's most famous characters. This particular calavera wears an opulent hat with flowers and feathers and is widely used in Mexican pop culture. Posada's most famous creation has become the symbol of the Day of the Dead and is viewed by many as a representation of Mexico's unwavering stance towards death.
Stroll through the galleries and discover works by other artists. Some exhibits are dedicated to Manuel Manilla, Posada's mentor, who also used skulls and images related to death to create haunting illustrations. The museum also displays works by other artists such as José Fors and Mimmo Paladino.
Take classes to give you an idea of how Posada worked, or take an engraving workshop. Take a guided tour of the museum and hear lectures about Posada's enduring influence.
The José Guadalupe Posada Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and entry is free on Wednesdays. Walk southeast from Plaza de la Patria and you will be at the museum in less than 15 minutes.
➢ Historical center
The main square with its beautiful neoclassical kiosk in the center is the best starting point for discovering the most outstanding sights of Calvillo. But before you start a walk, you need to sweeten yourself with the famous Nieves de Garrafa del Popo (Garrafa del Popo ice cream), made according to a traditional recipe by several generations of the same family.
The Parroquia of Nuestro Señor del Salitre (Parish Church of Nuestro Señor del Salitre) is perhaps the most visited place around the main square, as it has one of the largest domes in all of Latin America and the figure of the patron saint of Señor del Salitre houses the village, which one great number of miracles is ascribed. Construction of the temple began in 1772 and is one of the oldest buildings in Calvillo.