The City of Morelia

The Cathedral of Morelia, Michoacán

Considered one of the most characteristic cities of the viceregal period in the country and of unquestionable patrimonial importance, Morelia stands out for its buildings and unique architecture.

Morelia, capital of the state of Michoacán

Located in the Guayangero Valley, it is one of the largest cities in the Mexican state of Michoacán. It shares with Guanajuato the status of one of the most populated cities in Mexico.

Founded in 1541 by Antonio de Mendoza under the name of ”Nueva Ciudad de Michoacán” which later became ”Valladolid” in 1578. It was in 1828 that it acquired its present name.

Festivities and Fairs of Morelia

Woman at Morelia festival

  • February 2: Candlemas Day
  • April: Morelia International Guitar Festival and Expo Feria Estatal (State Fair)
  • May 18: Anniversary of Morelia
  • May: Morelia International Organ Festival
  • July: Ucareo and Jeráhuaro Fruit Fairs
  • From July to October: Turtle nesting and release season.
  • August: Guitar, copper and furniture handicraft fairs
  • September 12: Feast of Don Vasco de Quiroga
  • September 13 and 14: Festival of San Juan Nuevo Parangaricutiro
  • September 16: National Independence Day
  • September 30: Birth of Morelos
  • October 17, 18 and 19; Purépecha Breed Artistic Festival
  • October 31 – November 1 & 2: Night of the Dead
  • November: Morelia International Music Festival

Morelia Cathedral

Built in a baroque style, it can be seen from any point of the city due to the place where it was built, the center of the square. It took no less than 104 years to build.

Plaza de armas of Morelia

The Plaza de Armas of Morelia in Michoacan

Right in the center of the city, this is where the typical festivities and celebrations of the city are held. It has a particular rectangular shape designed by architect Vicente Barroso. Here you can also find the cathedral.

Downtown Morelia

The center of Morelia was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991 due to its many architectural monuments.

Morelia Aqueduct

It was built thanks to Bishop Fray Antonio de San Miguel in 1785 and took another four years to complete. It helped the town’s drought and benefited the entire city. It has 253 arches that are characteristic and recall the function it played in the past.

The Morelia Aqueduct in Michoacan

Michoacan Regional Museum

Founded in 1886, it is one of the oldest museums in the Mexican province. Learn about history from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. It has decorative murals by artists Alfredo Zalce, Federico Cantú and Greenwood, among others. Visiting hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00.

The Michoacán University of San Nicolás Hidalgo

It is as prestigious to study in Aguascalientes as in the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás Hidalgo, popularly known as Nicolaita.

It was formerly the Colegio de San Nicolás Obispo and was finally constituted as a university in 1917. It is part of the list of the best universities in Latin America and also of the top 10 in Mexico.

Alternative tourist destination : Cancun

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About the Author
Patu Soto | Me gradué en Periodismo por la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Durante estos años, he podido desarrollarme como periodista y fotógrafa amateur en el periódico El Ibérico ubicado en Londres. También he colaborado y publicado tanto artículos escritos como reportajes fotográficos en varios medios digitales. Tuve la oportunidad de desempeñar labores de Community Manager en el centro cultural japonés Sakigake en Madrid. Actualmente colaboro como Redactora SEO para Oasis Hoteles & Resorts, con sede en Cancún. En mis ratos libres sigo formándome, aprendiendo y conociendo más acerca del mundo digital en general y de los RRHH en particular. Si quieres conocer mi trabajo un poco más, conecta conmigo en mi Linkedin.