“I was taken in by the bravado and the sounds of Mexico… not so much the music, but the spirit.” – Herb Alpert
Guanajuato, the city known for its vibrant colors and narrow alleys, never ceases to amaze me. Not only because of the beauty, but because of how unique and different it is in comparison to other cities. The houses tumble down the hills that surround it in every imaginable color. There’s no color scheme—fuchsia pink mingles with pillar box red, saffron yellow, baby blue, and lime green. Their food and drinks are exquisite and the taste is like nothing you will find in the area.
The city is of approximately 172,000 people in north central Mexico. Surrounded by hills, its historic plazas, the winding streets are all saturated in bright colors. Considered the heart of Mexican culture, it is the home of the 1820 revolution and birthplace to muralist Diego Rivera, who married artist Frida Kahlo. Guanajuato was founded in 1554 and was given city status in 1741. On the outskirts, you will find mines where you will be able to find gold, silver, lead, and other minerals. The city is also featured in the movie COCO because of its vibrant colors.
“Mexico is a mosaic of different realities and beauties.” – Enrique Pena Nieto
Their unique museums, historic buildings and beautiful churches all play a role in what makes the city so beautiful. El Callejón Del Beso (the Alley of the Kiss) embodies a tragic love story. Ana, the daughter of a Spaniard who was set on marrying her off to a rich Spaniard, fell in love with a humble minor named Carlos. When Ana’s father found them kissing in the alley he locked her in her room to prevent them from seeing each other. Carlos, determined to see his Ana again, wanted to buy the house next to her room. The owner refused his many offers until one day he gave in. Once Carlos bought the house he was able to meet up with Ana again. When her father found them kissing outside her room, out of rage he dragged her inside and killed her. Many say that when Carlos was trying to jump across her room to help her, he fell off and broke his neck and died then and there. Others say that out of sadness he killed himself while working in the mines. Now, El Callejón del Beso is one of Guanajuato’s most famous tourist attractions. It’s said couples should stand on the third step painted in red and kiss to enjoy a lifetime of luck in love — which some say is delivered by the spirit of Carlos himself.
Their mummy museum is another unique attraction the city has; it is filled with dozens of mummified corpses exhumed from a nearby cemetery. When going in, you have to be ready for an unexpected sight and make sure to have a good stomach. If not, it might make you feel a little uneasy.
The state is also known for their juicy strawberries. On any highway or stand you will find vendors set up with fresh strawberries. They have them caramelized, in jam, with sugar, with chili and my favorite, in ice cream.
With all its unique attractions, it’s hard to not want to put this city on your bucket list. If you are given the chance, I highly recommend you to go visit Guanajuato.
