Jerez de Garcia Salinas

Jerez de García Salinas (always referred to as simply Jerez ) is a town of 46,000 people (2020) in the historic mining state of Zacatecas . It is the center of a rural area noted for its production of fruit trees and dairy. The town was named a Pueblo Mágico to attract tourism, as it lies close to the state capital of Zacatecas and offers handcrafts, traditional food and architecture.

It is 57 km from the state capital of Zacatecas.

The town of Jerez is extremely easy to navigate and small enough to get around by walking. As the town itself lies in a basin, it is completely flat and most streets (specifically within the town centre) are grid-like. Should you have any issues, don't worry about asking someone for directions. There are also taxis in the town centre or "jardin" which can offer service anywhere in the town for a relatively cheap fair - you can also negotiate a fare before taking the taxi. Keep in mind that the altitude is rather high (about 2,000 metres above sea level). If you are driving, also keep in mind that most streets are one way.

In Jerez, there is a wealth of sites that can be seen and most are within walking distance. Most are open 6 days a week with the exception of Saturday and holidays. The town is centered on a main square called Jardín Rafel Páez , which was the site of the old traditional market. It is surrounded by a wrought iron fence and in the center there is a Moorish style kiosk made of metal with a sandstone base. It is a popular place on Sundays for men playing dominoes and for bands playing a local music called tamborazo, a type of band music with a distinctive rhythm. On the south side of the square is the Portal Humboldt , which has two different types of arches, one in Romance style and the other in Arabic. To the north is the Portal Inguanzo , which dates from 1797. It is the exterior of what was a private home. Today the building houses a café-ice cream shop. 🌍 Casa Ramón López Velarde . Jerez is home to one of Mexico's most famous poets and his birthplace is beside La Parroquia. He is known for writing "La Suave Patria" which is a patriotic poem in reference to Mexico written at the beginning of the 20th century. His home has become a museum and is typically open during the day for a small fee. 🌍 Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepcion . This is the main church in the centre of the town. It was built of white sandstone in the 18th century with a simple single bell tower and a Baroque facade. The arch of the main entrance is crowned by a papal crown and the keys of Saint Peter. Alongside, images of the Four Evangelists appear. The interior is Neoclassic with gold leaf accents on the altars and columns. 🌍 Plaza Tacuba . This plaza is situated right behind the main church (Parroquia). It is typically used during festivals for outdoor concerts and exhibitions. It is also surrounded by a wealth of shops that offer mementos from coffee mugs to Mexican "sombreros" or "Sombrero de Charro. 🌍 Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad ( Shrine of Our Lady of Solitude ). This is another church that is behind la Plaza Tacuba and La Parroquia. This church is used for marriage ceremonies as La Parroquia does not typically offer this service. The Sanctuary was built in 1805 over what was a hospital for the indigenous. It is said that its designer was inspired by the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The style is Neoclassic although it has various Baroque elements such as the main atrium gate. The interior is dominated by the main altar which houses the image of the Virgin Mary after the death of Jesus. There are also finely sculpted confession booths and pulpit. This Virgin is a local icon, who was named a “General” by troops during the Mexican Revolution and is celebrated each year from January to February. 🌍 Teatro Hinojosa . This is the town's main theatre which was built towards the end of the 19th century. It contains 3 levels, an orchestra level, and 2 higher levels. Legend has it that this theatre was modeled after Ford's Theatre where the U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was shot, supposedly in his honor as being the only president at the time to have defended Mexico. The interiors of the two theatres look strikingly similar. It is normally open during the day and there is typically no charge for entry. The Palacio Municipal (Municipal Palace) or town government building is in a former two-story mansion which was built between 1730 and 1745. The building has a Baroque facade done in sandstone. It was remodeled in the last decades of the 20th century but its original facade was meticulously preserved. Inside, there is a central courtyard surrounded by arches with two stairwells to connect the floors. The main one is on the east side and the south one has a portrait of Francisco García Salinas. The Edificio de la Torre (Torre Building) was built on the site Pantaleón de la Torre donated to promote education and culture in the municipality in 1894 as a school for girls. The architectural style is a mix of Romance and Moorish built by stonemason Dámaso Muñetón, who also did the north tower of the Zacatecas Cathedral. Today the building houses the Jerez Cultural Center and the municipal library. An alley dedicated to local handcrafts is located alongside the Edificio de la Torre. These include boots, wide cowboy hats and embroidered leather belts (piteado). Behind the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is the Jardín Hidalgo , which is in front of the Hinojosa Theater. The theater is in Moorish style with arches, windows and railings in groups of three and five, built between 1876 and 1890, promoted by local politician José María Hinojosa. Its stage is under a sandstone arch and its seats are carved from wood. For most of its history, the lighting was provided by carbide lamps, and a large mirror in the back remains from that time. It is said that the building served as a barracks during the Mexican Revolution. Today it is used for live performances but in the past it was a movie theatre, a hall for social events, a library and a public school. On the side of the building, there is a Community Museum with items such as carpentry tools, archeological pieces, sewing machines and more from the area's past. The Ramón López Velarde House Museum is on the street which is named after the most famous poet from the town. The house was the childhood home of López Velarde has its original furnishings from the 19th century, along with the poet's personal items such as family photographs, copies of manuscripts of works such as Suave Patria, a work completed in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the Mexican War of Independence. The Portal de las Palomas (the entrance hall of the Columbidae) is home to several traditional bars, fronted by a square called Plaza Tacuba. The Casa de Campesino is a construction from the 18th century which was the home of various organizations for rural farmers. Today it is a multiuse building. The Chapel of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrow) was built at the beginning of the 19th century. The Tizoc Bar is also a store that sells antiques and handcrafts. The town market is a building with arches on two sides. The market offers fruits and vegetables along with handcrafts and prepared food.

Events Feria de la Primavera (Spring Fair). Held since 1824, the Jerez fair has been held shortly after the arrival of spring, and at the end of Lent, it has been distinguished by its events, such as the Saturday of Glory, the day when more than 40,000 people gather in the small town, to witness or participate in the traditional charro parade and burning of judas. To this day, the Saturday of Glory party is recognized nationally and internationally for its joy and particularity, which brings together tens of thousands of people. A festival that grows and becomes more popular day by day, the one that represents the maximum celebration of the people of Jerez. Jerezada . The Peña Taurina Jerezana was formed on the first Friday of February 1996 in the "Bohemian Corner" of the Zacatecan painter and sculptor "El Cuate Pérez", in which a group of bullfighting fans gathered where the meeting aimed to dignify and rescue Jerez Taurinamente. Festival de la Tostada (Toast Festival). It is a gastronomic event that includes artistic presentations, sporting events and the gastronomic sample with a great variety of typical toasts of the municipality. Tambora Festival . It is said that the popular tamborazo had its origins in Jomulquillo in Jerez, Zacatecas, a musical rhythm highly valued by inhabitants of the region and beyond Zacatecan lands. As an initiative to promote and honor great exponents of this musical genre, the Tambora Festival is held in Jerez again, taking place on the “musician's day” in which Santa Cecilia is celebrated.

Must try the famous Flautas las Palma's I and II. This business was opened by Isabel Dominguez my beautiful grandma years ago and later 2nd restaurant was opened by one of her grown daughters my aunt and her husband. 🌍 Taqueria Muñoz , Fco. Villa 4f, Zaragoza , ☏ +52 494 106 3749 . W-M 15:00 - 23:00, closed Tu . Popular place for cheap, fast eats. A variety of street tacos are served with homemade salsas. M$100 . ( u [... truncated ...]

Local cantinas and bars in Jerez de Garcia Salinas serve Mexican beer, mezcal, tequila, and aguas frescas. Mexico has a vibrant craft beer scene that is growing in many regions. Pulque, a traditional fermented agave drink, may be available in central Mexico. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Mexican coffee, fresh fruit juices (jugos naturales), and horchata.

Accommodation in and around Jerez de Garcia Salinas ranges from budget hostales and family-run posadas to mid-range hotels and boutique properties. Options may be limited in smaller communities — advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season (December–January, Semana Santa, and local festival periods). For a wider selection of hotels, the nearest larger town or city provides additional choices.

🌍 Mercado Municipal Benito Juarez , 99300, De Los Libres 3, Zona Centro . Daily 07:30 - 19:00 . The town's main traditional marketplace. Vendors selling a range of farm fresh produce and food stands selling the most authentic regional dishes you can get. Great place for inexpensive meals. ( updated Apr 2024 )

From Jerez de Garcia Salinas, visitors can explore other communities and natural attractions in Zacatecas by road. The region offers scenic drives, archaeological sites, and charming towns worth a detour. Long-distance buses connect with major cities throughout Mexico. Check highway conditions and fuel availability before setting out on longer routes.