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Walking through the streets of Concordia on a sunny Saturday afternoon,
I feel a sense of peace and serenity. This pleasant little colonial town
in the foothills of the Sierra Madres is only 30 minutes from Mazatlán.
Houses of many colors line the red brick streets: Lime green with a white
wrought-iron balcony, next to yellow with a dark green bottom, then hot
pink, then lavender, and peach. All are vividly colored, no ordinary houses
here. Looming over the streets and buildings is the cathedral. Its statuesque
belfry can be seen from most every location in town, and gives a sense of
serenity to the quiet town. All streets lead to the central square. A giant
rocking chair honors the town's major industry. The lavishly carved cathedral
is one side of the square, the ornate governor's palace on another. A Banamex,
an ice cream store, a paper store, and other small stores surround the square.
The large gazebo in the center of the square, with its wrought iron decoration,
has a festive air. We visit a furniture factory, just off the main square.
Workmen are busy, one carving a headboard, another a chair. Just-finished
chairs are lined up, sturdy and ornate. Known world-wide for its furniture,
especially chairs, 80% of Concordia's population |
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work in the furniture industry. There are several factories; all make the
same style of chair from the same era. Concordia is responsible for most
of the rocking chairs in México. Along with the nearby town of Copala, Concordia
was the site of extensive gold and silver mining. For almost 300 years,
this area was one of the most productive mining sites on the west coast
of México. When the mines ran out, in the early part of the century, they
turned to furniture-making. Those not involved in furniture are involved
in making tiles. The tiles are made of red clay. Each is handmade by spreading
the clay over a wood form. The tiles then cook for 24 hours in a huge brick
oven, then cool for 24 hours. Concordia dates back to 1565, when the Jesuits
built a mission here. In the early 1700s, the King of Spain deeded the town
to the Marquis of Concordia. The original deed, with the King's seal, is
on view. Fifteen miles beyond Concordia is the picturesque village of Copala,
preserved like it was in the 19th century. Narrow, winding cobblestone streets,
red tiled roofs, colorful bougainvillea spilling down the front of the white-washed
buildings, houses up in the hills and down in the canyons, all give Copala
its charm. Plus the banana coconut pie is great! |
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