Forums > Areas > Central Highlands

maile

Mar 7, 2003, 7:25 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1534 views)

Shortcut

Uruapan Semana Santa

Can't Post |

Is Semana Santa in Uruapan an interesting local festival? Or is it a crazy tourist attraction? I have the opportunity to be in Michoacan for the first two weeks of April, but if the scene is REALLY crazy, then I'd rather postpone. I already see enough tourist-oriented things in Hawaii. But I am a ceramics artist, and if it is a better time than usual to see local work, then I would like to know that. I know lodgings in Uruapan will probably be tight for that time, but does that extend all the way to Patzcuaro and Morelia?

esperanza

Mar 7, 2003, 8:57 PM

Post #2 of 9 (1478 views)

Shortcut

Re: [maile] Uruapan Semana Santa

Can't Post | Private Reply

Don't miss it...go to Uruapan for the yearly all-Michoacán crafts fair held during Semana Santa and the week after Easter, for the Palm Sunday celebration, for a visit to the Parque Nacional. When I'm able to do go, I usually stay in Pátzcuaro and make the drive over to Uruapan; the road is excellent and the trip is gorgeous. Make a stop at Lake Zirahuén. Yes, Uruapan is sort of a madhouse during that time, but well worth it.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

jennifer rose

Mar 8, 2003, 7:22 AM

Post #3 of 9 (1474 views)

Shortcut

Re: [maile] Uruapan Semana Santa

Can't Post |

Semana Santa in Uruapan isn’t just for tourists. I live here, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

The Artisans’ Fair is world-class market, featuring more than a million pieces, representing more than 1,300 craftsmen and 80 communities of Michoacán. It’s not just another tourist attraction. The organizers and participants take this very seriously. If not the largest, it’s the second-largest, of its kind in the Mexican Republic.

But there’s much, much more going on than just the Tianguis Artesanal de Domingo de Ramos. There’s the regional costume competition, which I wouldn’t miss for the world. And plenty of other cultural activities.

This is clearly the time to see all of Michoacan’s artisans, or at least a major portion of them, in one place at one time.

Semana Santa is more like two weeks, and it is the major vacation season in Mexico. Everyone who can heads somewhere else, and the beach is the favored location. Uruapan will be popular, but it still doesn’t have the cachet of the beach for many folks.

In Uruapan, Patzcuaro and Morelia, Semana Santa is rivaled only by Muertos in terms of the influx of tourists (using the definition of someone who spends the night in a town not his own). Make those hotel reservations NOW. At the very least, make a guaranteed reservation for the first few days, so you'll have someplace to stay while you look for something else. Or you cancel the reservation if your plans change.

Patzcuaro’s accommodations will likely reach 100%. Morelia’s will be fairly full, but not as tight.

If you can, I’d still recommend that you plan on staying in Uruapan for a least two nights. It’s an easy drive to Uruapan from Patzcuaro, and Morelia is a little more than an hour away, but the sheer ease of being where the action is would make staying in Uruapan worth it.

There's more about Uruapan's attractions at http://www.uruapan.gob.mx/Turismo.htm#

(This post was edited by jennifer rose on Mar 8, 2003, 7:23 AM)

maile

Mar 10, 2003, 6:42 PM

Post #4 of 9 (1427 views)

Shortcut

Re: [jennifer rose] Uruapan Semana Santa

Can't Post |

Thanks! I decided to go for it. If it gets too nuts, I can always head off in another direction. Now to find a hotel...

Aloha, maile

tonyburton / Moderator

Mar 10, 2003, 7:08 PM

Post #5 of 9 (1424 views)

Shortcut

Re: [maile] Uruapan Semana Santa

Can't Post | Private Reply

To be right in the heart of the city and not miss any of the action, consider staying (if your budget and their existing bookings permit) in the Hotel Plaza - an excellently run 4+-star establishment right on the main plaza:

Hotel Plaza Uruapan

maile

Mar 10, 2003, 7:42 PM

Post #6 of 9 (1421 views)

Shortcut

Re: [tonyburton] Uruapan Semana Santa

Can't Post |

Ummmm...budget probably won't permit a four-star hotel. I'm fine with "basic"...don't need parking, tv, or any of the fancy amenities. A clean, quiet place with a working bathroom is about all I require. Any suggestions?

esperanza

Mar 10, 2003, 7:50 PM

Post #7 of 9 (1424 views)

Shortcut

Re: [maile] Uruapan Semana Santa

Can't Post | Private Reply

Try the Hotel Villa de Flores on Emiliano Carranza, just a block from the plaza. I've been staying there for more than 20 years. I suspect most hotels in Uruapan are already filled up, though.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

(This post was edited by esperanza on Mar 11, 2003, 12:52 PM)

tonyburton / Moderator

Mar 10, 2003, 10:32 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1413 views)

Shortcut

Villa de Flores phone number

Can't Post | Private Reply

Yep, that's an excellent budget choice; I've also stayed there several times in the past:

Hotel Villa de Flores, Emiliano Carranza 15 Tel. (452) 524-2800

maile

Mar 11, 2003, 12:22 PM

Post #9 of 9 (1406 views)

Shortcut

Re: [esperanza] Uruapan Semana Santa

Can't Post |

Thanks for the reply. I'll try calling tomorrow. I know it might be kind of tough to find a place at this late date. I really didn't know about this festival...I just had the chance to get off the rock (Hawaii), and thought that Michoacan would be a nice place to go. If Uruapan and Patzcuaro are all full, I guess I can try Morelia...