Parácuaro

History

In the Pre-Hispanic era, Parácuaro is thought to have been inhabited by Nahuas and later conquered by chief Tarasco Utucuma.

During the colonial period, the Spanish included Parácuaro in Republic of the Indias and developed the haciendas La Guadalupe, El Valle y La Perla.

From 10 December 1831, Parácuaro appears as Apatzingán's possession and approximately 30 years later on 20 November 1861 it was constituted in municipality by the Congress of the State. It as called Villa de Parácuaro de Morelos.

Population

25,582 inhabitants.

Location

It is located in the southwest region of the state at 19° 8'45.83" N and 102°13'9.68" W at a height of 600 meters above sea level. It is bordered on the north by Tancítaro and New Parangaricutiro, on the east by Gabriel Zamora and Múgica, and on the south and the west by Apatzingán. It is 200 km from the capital of Michoacán.

Topography

Its relief is constituted by the mountain chain of the volcanic transverse system and Tepalcatepec's - Balsa's depression, the hills of Aguacate, Jabalí, Cofradía, Güera, Vueltas, Batea and White.

Hydrography

Its hydrography is constituted by rivers: Aguacate, Orejón, Lancita, Paracuarito and Manga and the springs of cold water, of the Chicos, the Pozos and Cortijo.

Climate

It is tropical, with rains in summer. It has an annual rainfall of 800 millimeters and temperatures that range from 14 to 36 °C.

Principal ecosystems

In the municipality, tropical forest vegetation predominates, with tepeguaje, guaje, ceiba, parota, zapote and mango. The tropical thorny forest, with teteche, viejito, huisache and amole.

Agriculture

The principal crops are cotton, rice, corn, melon, sorghum, sesame, tomato, cucumber and watermelon.

Ranching

Cattle, horses and pigs are raised.

Tourism

There are two resorts.

Trade

Parácuaro is self-sufficient in basic products, and emphasizes the marketing of fruits, groceries and vegetables.

Services

In the Paracuaro's municipal office you can find service of accommodations, bungalows and food service.

Personalities

The best-known person from the town is Alberto Aguilera Valadez, who is better known by his stage name, Juan Gabriel. Actress Elpidia Carrillo was born in this town as well.

Architectural monuments

Parácuaro's parish and monument to Cenobio Moreno.

Holidays, dances and traditions

Crafts

Wood furniture and harness-maker's shop.

Gastronomy

Typical foods of the municipality are: morisqueta, iguana soup, fish soup (bagre, carpa), corn tamales with cream (uchepos), corundas de maíz with cheese and cream, tacos de res y chivo tipo barbacoa, enchiladas con pollo y cecina.