Tourism diversification, Guanajuato’s economic strategy

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In order to decentralize tourism and extend it to more municipalities, the state of Guanajuato is promoting a strategy in towns like Tierra Blanca, Santa Catarina, and San José Iturbide—located in the northwest of the state—which offer attractions such as religious tourism, patron saint festivals, traditional cuisine, and more.

With a population of just over 5,000, the municipality of Santa Catarina stands out for its culture and historical sites. The Santa Catarina Parish Church is one of its main attractions, known for its towers and history, dating back to the 1500s. The stained-glass windows that adorn it are part of one of the activities held in the region.

The municipality is also home to La Faja Hill, the site where the town’s name was given by its inhabitants and which is now part of its heritage.

According to María Guadalupe González Zarazua, promoter for the Economic Development and Tourism area, November 25th is one of the most important dates, as it is the patron saint festival. The pulque festival (in September) is also a significant celebration, as it commemorates two iconic elements of local identity: drink and music.

Santa Catarina has just over 30 hotel rooms, but visitors usually stay in neighboring municipalities like San José Iturbide.

Meanwhile, to the north, bordering the municipality of Santa Catarina, and to the south, the state of Querétaro, lies the municipality of Tierra Blanca, a place surrounded by vast natural areas. The local government is developing strategies to promote adventure tourism.

Tierra Blanca is known for the Rincón de Cactáceas Gigantes ecological reserve, where giant barrel cacti—some over 2 meters tall and more than 450 years old—can be found.

Part of its architecture includes the old 16th-century religious building in the center of the municipal seat. Traditional cooks are also part of its heritage.

Virginia González is a traditional artisan and cook, who opens the doors of her kitchen to offer food prepared with tantarrias (a type of edible insect) and preserves of fruits from the countryside, such as xoconoxtle, bisnaga and garambullo.

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Source: eleconomista

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