Álamos
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| Álamos | |
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  Álamos
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country |  Mexico |
|---|---|
| State | Sonora |
| Municipality | Álamos |
| Founded | Late 17th century |
| Government | |
| - Municipal president | |
| Population (2005[1]) | |
| - Total | 24,493 |
| Time zone | MST (UTC-7) |
| Postal code | 85760 |
| Area code(s) | 647 |
The town and municipality of Álamos in the Mexican state of Sonora was founded in the late 17th century following discoveries of silver in the region. It was named by the conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, and became the capital of the surrounding region. Alamos is the northern-most 'Silver City' in Mexico and although it has much in common, architecturally, with Mexico's other 'Silver Cities' it has not succumbed to large-scale commercialism and has managed to retain the charm and pace of earlier times. Many writers and artists have quietly claimed Alamos for their own.
Álamos is located in the southeastern part of Sonora, and 396 km (246 miles) from state capital Hermosillo, 54 km (34 miles) from Navojoa via Sonora State Highway 162, and 663 km (412 miles) from the northern border town of Nogales. It is adjoined by the State of Chihuahua on the north and east, and the State of Sinaloa on the south. The population of the municipality is 24,493 and its area 6,947.27 km². Average temperature is about 14 °C (58 °F); maximum 30 °C (85 °F).
Álamos is known as "La Ciudad de los Portales" (portales are tall, arched, covered verandas or walkways fronting many of the cobble-stoned streets or calles). Alamos boasts numerous buildings exhibiting classic architecture from Mexico's Colonial period, including the Central Plaza, the Church of La Purísima Concepción, and the Palacio Municipal ("city hall"). The great wealth created by the silver mines enabled the founders and residents of Alamos to build scores of Baroque mansions throughout the town; many of which may still be seen today.
Both Architectural and 'Eco' Tourism contribute to the economy of Álamos (a huge near-by nature reserve, the Sierra de Alamos Ecological Reserve, offers serious 'birding' opportunities), along with agriculture, thanks to the Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez Dam and Reservoir known as “El Mocúzarit”, whose waters irrigate 80,000 acres (320 km²). Cattle ranching and mining are seasonal.
Many Festivals and fiestas occur in Álamos year-round, most notably the Festival of Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado ("FAOT"), attended by many national and international musicians, and celebrities. Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, born in this community in 1894, achieved recognition for being "El Tenor de las Américas". The annual Festival Alfonso Ortiz Tirado is a ten-day event that takes places in Alamos anually in late January.
Former President of Mexico Alvaro Obregon was born on a farm near Alamos on February 17, 1880.
The renowned Mexican screen actress María Félix was also born here on April 8, 1914.
The creek of Cuchujaqui, which is in the ecological reserve is the most subtropical area in the Northern Hemisphere. Cuchujaqui is the subject of international scientific study and the southern migration destination of hundreds of different species of birds.
Álamos was named a "Pueblo Mágico" in 2005. "Pueblo Majico" is a designation given by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism to towns that offer a 'magical' experience by reason of their natural beauty, cultural riches and historical relevance.
Álamos claims to be the "Mexican jumping bean capital of the world".
Coordinates: 27°1'N 108°56'W
Contents |
[edit] Famous people born in Álamos
- Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, tenor
- Álvaro Obregón, President of Mexico
- María Félix, motion picture actress
- Félix María Zuloaga, soldier, politician
- Arturo Márquez, composer
- Isamar Vega, actress in talks The Cheetah Girls 3
[edit] Sister cities
[edit] References
- ^ (Spanish) 2005 census, INEGI.
[edit] External links
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Wikipedia information about ÁlamosThis article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Álamos".
