Lions Club trip to Zacatecas and Aguascalientes,
Sept 29, 2006

Lions Club Trip to Zacatecas Tuesday, October 17–Friday, October 20 1,560/2,080 pesos, Reservations: 152-4516 or 152-0934

The San Miguel de Allende Lions Club hosts another wonderful three-day trip to Zacatecas, stopping in Aguascalientes on the return.

Zacatecas has been said to be one of the most interesting cities in all of colonial Mexico. Founded in 1546 after the discovery of a rich silver lode and officially recognized in 1548, Zacatecas, the capital city of the state of Zacatecas, reached the height of its prosperity in the 16th and 17th centuries. Built on the steep slopes of a narrow valley, the town has breathtaking views and boasts many old buildings, both religious and civil. The cathedral, built between 1730 and 1760, dominates the center of the town. It is notable for its harmonious design and the Baroque profusion of its façades, where European and indigenous decorative elements are found side by side. Its population as of 2005 was approximately 745,000.

The city is built in a deep, narrow ravine 8,050 feet above sea level, with narrow, crooked streets climbing the steep hillsides, and white, flat-roofed houses. The colonial center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features elaborately decorated buildings, cobblestone streets and wrought-iron lanterns. The more modern outer suburbs are a mix of cinderblock shanties and gated communities for the wealthy.

A few of the highlights of the trip will be the Rafael Coronel Museum, set in what was once the convent of San Francisco, founded during the vice-royalty.

The architects responsible for its remodeling felt that it was important to leave some of the areas in ruins, which have been filled with gardens, creating a magical atmosphere that invites visitors to stroll around under the deep blue sky. The museum contains hundreds of masks of animals, mermaids, devils and old men that belonged to the renowned Zacatecan painter Rafael Coronel. It also displays a collection of archaeological pieces as well as puppets from the Rosete Aranda company.

Many of the city’s architectural treasures and museums are within walking distance of one another. The trip will also include a tour of a silver mine, the government palace, numerous other museums and the tram, which takes you over the entire city for breathtaking views.

One of the best places for lunch is the Quinta Real Hotel, which surrounds the picturesque ruins of a 17th-century bullring and recently was named one of the top 12 hotels in the world.

The cathedral of Zacatecas was built between 1729 and 1792 and is said to be the ultimate expression of Mexican Baroque (Churriguresque) architecture. The façade, with its exceptionally elaborate decorative work, has illustrations of Christ with the 12 apostles, four Church Fathers around the chancel window, and in the uppermost section God the Father surrounded by eight angels making music.

These images are fashioned with a mixture of Romanesque elements and indigenous motifs. 

The city of Aguascalientes is the capital of the state of Aguascalientes in western central Mexico. It stands on the banks of the Río Aguascalientes. The city was founded in 1575 and became the capital of the newly formed state when its territory was split off from neighboring state of Zacatecas in 1835.

The name Aguascalientes originated from the Spanish words aguas calientes, meaning “hot waters.” When the city was first founded in 1575 it was given this name for its abundance of hot springs. 

Space is limited and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. The Lions Club trips help support the eye and diabetes clinics, which dispense glasses and provide free diabetes testing to those in need in San Miguel and surrounding areas.

The first-class bus will leave Tuesday morning, October 17, and arrive in time for lunch after we check into a 4-star hotel. 

The cost is 1,560 pesos per person, based on double occupancy, or 2,080 pesos single occupancy and includes bus, hotel, breakfast, tips and a donation to the Lions Club. A bring-your-own-bottle cocktail party with snacks provided by the Lions Club will be held each evening. Reservations can be made by calling Carolyn Gratton at 152-4516 or Jean Schikel at 152-0934. Payment is due Friday, October 6, at Lloyd’s between 10am and noon.