DOLORES HIDALGO, Guanajuato.- Friendly people, rich gastronomy, traditional snows and above all a place where you will know an important part of the history of Independence of Mexico, that is Dolores Hidalgo, one of the Magical Towns “Pueblo Magicos” that Guanajuato has.
Dolores Hidalgo is a land of historical monuments, talavera and ceramics.
This magical town was the cradle of the heroic deed of the Independence of Mexico.
It was in the Parish of Nuestra Señora de Dolores where Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla harangued with the Grito de Dolores in the early morning of September 16, 1810.
This Church dates from the year 1778, but it was until 1803 when the priest Hidalgo took over the parish priesthood.
In pre-Hispanic times, Dolores was called Cocomacán, which means “place where doves are hunted.” In 1790 this site was elevated to the category of town, under the name of Pueblo Nuevo de los Dolores.
However, it was until December 15, 1947, when the Congress of Guanajuato decreed that this city change its name to Dolores Hidalgo, Cradle of National Independence.
In 2002, Dolores Hidalgo received the appointment of Pueblo Mágico, and in each of its downtown streets, you will find a different story.
Here are some recommendations to do in Dolores Hidalgo and believe me you will completely fall in love with this heavenly place.
Dolores Hidalgo is the Cradle of the Independence of Mexico, a strong reason for having declared it a Magic Town in 2002. It is there that on September 15 of each year the loudest and most emotional cry of independence in Mexico is heard.
Things to see and do
1.- Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows
Tour the Parish of Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores. One of the best examples of Baroque from the last part of the 18th century. There, on the fighting foot, the Cura Hidalgo summoned the people on September 16, 1810.
2.- Main Square
Stroll through the Main Square, a beautiful space with a central roundabout where the statue of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is located. The square has wrought iron benches and is the perfect place to contemplate the daily life of the town.
3.- Hidalgo House Museum
The best place to start this historic journey could not be more than the house of the Father of the Nation: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. The house that the Mexican priest once inhabited is today the Casa de Hidalgo Museum. The place, occupied by the priest at the end of the 18th century, has a huge collection of objects as well as furniture from that time. It also houses some of the priest’s personal utensils.
4.- Museum of National Independence
There is also the Jail, now the Museum of National Independence, where the Father of the Nation freed the prisoners to join the insurgent ranks.
5.- Abasolo’s House
Visit the House of Abasolo. Mariano Abasolo was born there on January 1, 1789. It is located in front of the main garden and is the current headquarters of the Municipal Presidency.
6.- Wine Museum
Stroll through the Wine Museum, located in the old hospital of the town. It exhibits the art of winemaking from the vineyard to the barrels and bottles.
Located in the Old Hospital of Dolores Hidalgo, this is the most recent museum that highlights oenology through 4 interactive rooms, where the chronology of the history of wine is narrated, reviews of the vineyards of Hidalgo, the trades of wine, the winemaking and harvesting process, manufacture and use of barrels as well as different types of bottles over time.
But also, Dolores Hidalgo is famous because the singer-songwriter José Alfredo Jiménez was born there, so don’t forget to visit:
7.- José Alfredo Jiménez Museum
José Alfredo Jiménez was the greatest composer and singer of Mexican folk music, who was born in Dolores Hidalgo in 1926.
The building that was once his home is now the museum that bears his name. It has nine exhibition rooms where personal objects are found, as well as a long history through the life of the Guanajuato singer-songwriter.
8.- Mausoleum of José Alfredo Jiménez
Don’t forget to visit his tomb or mausoleum, where a multicolored serape made of tiles from the town stands out, located in the Municipal Pantheon.
9.- Icecream
Dolores Hidalgo is also distinguished by a curious gastronomic tradition: that of making ice cream with the most unusual flavors. In the ice cream parlors and ice cream parlors of the town, it is not surprising the advertisement of shrimp ice cream, beer, cheese, avocado, tequila, roses, chili peppers, tunas, and nopales, next to the traditional ice cream, strawberry, and chocolate. Dare to try one exotic!
La Flor de Dolores ice creams have been a tradition since 1979. They have been awarded many national and international awards. The interesting thing about this place is the preparation, with completely natural ingredients and using artisan techniques. There are the classics of pineapple, lemon, strawberry, coconut; and specials such as garambullo, borrachita, lavender, and tequila with xoconostle, among others. In addition to now offering ice cream for diabetics.
10.- Majolica
Do not forget to visit the workshops and handicraft shops, where you will find the other version of the Talavera: the Majolica.
Plates, vases, complete tableware, decorative pieces and the traditional catrinas are made by this type of ceramic, which is attractive for its colors and brightness.
Majolica did not exist in Mexico, it was brought by Spaniards, who in turn were inherited by Arab knowledge. It gets its name from Mallorca, a Mediterranean island that produced the best ceramics throughout the Middle Ages and, over time, where the examples, techniques and skills for its elaboration in New Spain would come from.
Where to eat
Fruty Restaurante & Café offers Mexican and international food. It is located in a nice house with beautiful spaces.
Casa Grande is a Mexican food diner.
Damónica, Italian food place, with top quality food, clean environment and very tastefully decorated.
Where to sleep
The best option to sleep in Dolores Hidalgo is at the Hotel El Relicario, as its excellent location allows you to move anywhere in the city.
For more information visit: sectur.guanajuato.gob.mx